Your thought on the top 10 running backs in the NFL

There's a lot of good ones these days. And no you cant include Ricky Williams!

1.Ladainian Tomlinson-It's scary to think that as good as he is he's also somewhat of a reciever too. The best player in the league on the worst team in the league, theres a head scratcher for ya.

2.Jamal Lewis-The 2000 yard rusher would be #1 on most lists if Tomlinson just wasn't so good. About as good a power RB you will find. I hate Eric Dickerson!

3.Priest Holmes-Little 5'9'' Holmes runs like he's 6'9'', and I mean that in a good way. An amazing 27 TD's last year makes him top 5 automatically.

4.Clinton Portis-Best average per carry last year of 5.5, and I dont see why he wouldnt do that in Washington. Big mistake by Denver.

5.Ahman Green-Has only been on the 'scene' for a couple years now but is a hell of a back. Perhaps going by statistics alone, he's the best.

6.Shaun Alexander-The glue that holds Seattle together. Could run right through you as easily as he could run around you. 5'11'' 225 built like a tank.

7.Deuce Mcallister-Another 'glue' guy if you will. Ran for an average of over 100 yds/game last year.

8.Stephen Davis-Wouldn't usually be this high if you go by yds per carry and TD's, but he lead his club to the superbowl, not too shabby.

9.Edgerrin James-I know a lot of you might think he's too low but just look at the passing game he has to keep defences honest. Still a heck of a back, though.

10.Fred Taylor-Rounding out the top 10 is Taylor who rushed for an amazing 1572 yds in 03'. Just a solid back on an unspectacular team - which limits his press

I don't see why you say getting rid of Portis was a mistake by Denver. They pump out 1000 yard a year backs like nothing, and they got the best corner in the NFL in Champ Bailey for him.

I pretty much have no arguments about your list however.

I'd rank Edge a bit higher. New England has the best run defense in the league(or one of them), and he ran right through them. Most of the time up the middle too. It's too bad he fumbled twice, or otherwise, Indy wins that game.

I don't see why you say getting rid of Portis was a mistake by Denver. They pump out 1000 yard a year backs like nothing, and they got the best corner in the NFL in Champ Bailey for him.

I pretty much have no arguments about your list however.

Denver is banking on one of their running backs becoming good just because they produced Davis and Portis. True Bailey is a great corner but the chances of one of their RB's becoming a Portis or a Davis are slim.

Here is my top 10:

1) LaDainian Tomlinson- I've been in love with his game since his days as a Horned Frog. He routinely had 40+ carries in games, and rushed for over 300 several times (as well as over 400). Putting up the numbers he did last year, for the team he played for last year, cements him at #1.

2) Jamaal Lewis- Last season he was one overprotective coach away from breaking the single season rushing record. He got a lot of yards against weaker teams, and has a very good line, but he possesses everything you'd want in a running back.

3) Fred Taylor- After 32 games without injury, I think it's time to lift the injury prone label, which wasn't deserved to begin with. A better label would have been "unlucky" but that's neither hear nor there. The point is, he is a great running back, and if he was on a team with a competent line, he could challenge for 2,000 yards. To be honest, he could do it this year.

4) Priest Holmes- Versatile back in a Vermeil offense means big numbers. He is a great player, and the main reason the Chiefs are a playoff team.

5)Ahman Green- A versatile back in the same mold as LT, but he has a team to work with. Not as good of a pure runner, but has been Brett Favre's safety valve for a few seasons.

6) Shaun Alexander- A touchdown machine. He is the perfect red zone running back. He is a load to bring down, if and when you can get to him.

7) Edgerrin James- He's healthy, and he's back. He will be the reason the Colts will get as far in the playoffs as they do this year.

8) Deuce McAllister- Versatility goes a long way. He is a great runner, but his best asset is his hands. I'd have him a bit higher, but he still has injury concerns that date back to Ole Miss.

9) Travis Henry- There is a reason he'll see more field than McGahee this year. McGahee is a great back, but Henry is too good to keep on the bench. That being said, I expect one of them to be moved.

10) Brian Westbrook- There are questions as to whether or not he can handle the load this year as a feature back. First of all, he has no choice. Second of all, at Villanova, he became the NCAA's all time leader in all-purpose yards. I also believe he became the first player ever with 1,000 rushing, 1,000 receiving and 1,000 return yards in the same year. He can handle it.

Honorable Mentions:
Clinton Portis- What have Mike Anderson and Olandis Gary done lately? I think Clinton is better than both, but playing for Denver helped.

Domanick Davis- His 2,000 yard guarantee won't come true, but he is a very reliable running back.

Kevin Jones- My pre season pick for rookie of the year.

Corey Dillon- Just look what he's done for all those awful Bengals' teams.

Marshall Faulk- Aside from injuries, he is very valuable player.

Fred Taylor at 3 and Clinton Portis gets an honourable mention? Wow...

A case can be made for any of your top 10 backs to be ahead of Portis except for Taylor, Henry and Westbrook who aren't anywhere near Portis in terms of vision, explosiveness or even efficiency in my opinion.

My top 10

1. LT2
2. Holmes
3. Alexander
4. Lewis
5. Portis
6. Green
7. McCallister
8. James
9. Taylor
10. Dillon

I see a pretty significant drop off between 7 and 8.

Denver is banking on one of their running backs becoming good just because they produced Davis and Portis. True Bailey is a great corner but the chances of one of their RB's becoming a Portis or a Davis are slim.

They also pumped Olandis Gary into what lookedl ike a feature running back, when Terrel Owens went down...as well.

They also pumped Olandis Gary into what lookedl ike a feature running back, when Terrel Owens went down...as well.

Terrell Davis I think you mean...and don't forget Mike Anderson.

Something to keep in mind when considering this:

Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes have the support of the 2 best offensive lines in the NFL....meaning they wouldn't get nearly the amount of production with a line like LT's or Green's.

Something to keep in mind when considering this:

Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes have the support of the 2 best offensive lines in the NFL....meaning they wouldn't get nearly the amount of production with a line like LT's or Green's.

I agree, but the Chief's is much better. The Raven's may not be top 2, but it's very good.

Something to keep in mind when considering this:

Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes have the support of the 2 best offensive lines in the NFL....meaning they wouldn't get nearly the amount of production with a line like LT's or Green's.

Umm...Green's? The Packers have one of the top 5 lines in the entire league, arguably one of the top 2 or 3.