The NFL's best running backs? Execs, coaches and s...

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Follow on XMultiple AuthorsEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2026 NFL training camps are on the horizon, and with that in mind, ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. This is the seventh edition of these annual rankings.Here's how it works: Voters gave their own top 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on the number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen as well as ESPN Research.

More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed contributed to placements.This was not a five-year projection or a career achievement award, but meant to answer a simple question: Who are the best players right now?

Our rollout schedule: running backs (July 6), cornerbacks (July 7), edge rushers (July 8), defensive tackles (July 9), tight ends (July 10), offensive tackles (July 11), interior offensive linemen (July 12), quarterbacks (July 13), off-ball linebackers (July 14), wide receivers (July 15) and safeties (July 16).Three years ago, star running backs met over videoconference to discuss the depressed state of their positional market. Their prospects have since improved.

From 2024 to 2025, Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley signed respective deals worth $19 and $20.6 million per year. This offseason, three more backs earned contracts between $14 million and $16 million.

And a pair of 24-year-old stars -- Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs -- will reset that market soon enough while they battle for ball-toting supremacy for years to come.A mix of talented young and veteran stars around the league are strengthening their teams' chances in a big way due to their versatility."I think the wide receiver prices have gotten so crazy that teams are warming up to the fact you can get a super talented back with pass-catching ability instead," an AFC executive said.

"Paying $17 or $18 million a year for a guy like that doesn't sound so bad anymore."Many of the top guys have preserved their spot as they approach or surpass the age of 30, but this year's list features two debuts and one player we featured in 2024 who dropped off last year.1.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta FalconsHighest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 2 Age: 24 | Last year's ranking: 4Robinson edged Gibbs despite a tight vote; the Detroit runner registered nearly as many first-place votes, but Robinson won with an average rating of 1.78 in the composite voting.His overall body of work is undeniable.

He led the NFL with 2,498 yards from scrimmage in 2025, breaking William Andrews' franchise record from 1983 (2,176). He joins Andrews and Julio Jones as the only Falcons to lead the NFL in scrimmage yards."Bijan is just more dynamic than the rest of the field in terms of creating positive runs despite blocking failure," an NFC executive