RBU: Schools That Produce the Best Running Backs in the NFL

2. Georgia Bulldogs

•Nick Chubb (Browns)

•D’Andre Swift (Lions)

•Sony Michel (Dolphins)

•James Cook (Bills)

•Zamir White (Raiders)

Depending on what happens with the two rookies, the Georgia Bulldogs might force a change on these rankings before next season comes around. Similar to the team at No. 1, this group of running backs is carried by the top two. Nick Chubb is as good as anyone on the planet at running the football. He consistently ranks among the best in terms of efficiency, as his 5.3 yards-per-carry show. Injuries have held him back from posting an absurd full season, but his talent is not in question. D’Andre Swift was taken in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, and after being stuck behind an old Adrian Peterson, Swift finally saw more reps in 2021. Even amidst injuries, Swift proved to be the best player on the Lions’ offense more times than not. Swift will be looking to build upon his strong start to his career by becoming more consistent between the tackles. Sony Michel is a former first-round pick that has never quite lived up to expectations. He’s part of a committee with the Dolphins currently and likely will never lead a backfield again. The same cannot be said of rookies James Cook and Zamir White. While both are stuck behind a couple of established veterans, Cook and White bring more to the table in terms of athleticism and ability. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Cook take over entirely as the feature back for Buffalo even as a rookie. White has stiffer competition, but the new regime loves him. As you might be able to tell, deciding between these last few schools has been like pulling teeth. The Bulldogs grab the No. 2 spot for RBU.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

•Derrick Henry (Titans)

•Najee Harris (Steelers)

•Damien Harris (Patriots)

•Josh Jacobs (Raiders)

•Kenyan Drake (Raiders)

•Mark Ingram (Saints)

•Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders)

Was it ever in doubt? The Alabama Crimson Tide boasts the best group of running backs in the NFL. Former Heisman winner and arguably the best running back in the NFL, Derrick Henry, leads the way. Henry started slow out of the gate as a rookie, but he has steadily improved each season as a professional. It all culminated in a 2020 season that saw Henry rush for the fifth most yards ever in a single season. He was on a tear in 2021 with 937 rushing yards in only eight games. The end is near for Henry, but it is not here yet. Najee Harris is one of the newest entries on this list, but he did the opposite of Henry and came out the gates swinging as a rookie. Serving as the primary back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris recorded 1200 rushing yards, caught 74 passes, and added 10 total touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement might stifle things for the Steelers’ offense in 2022, so Harris will be looked at to carry the team. Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris both are listed as the starter in their respective backfield, and both guys have produced well in the NFL. Jacobs has 3087 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns to his name across his three-year career. Damien Harris fell just short of 1000 yards in 2021, but this was due to a lack of touches rather than a lack of production. Kenyan Drake has had a journeyman career, having been on three teams in the past three seasons. Mark Ingram is another former Heisman winner, but he is very much in the twilight of his career. Brian Robinson Jr. is the lone rookie on the list. He’s been making waves at Commander’s camp, but until he’s moved up the depth chart, expectations will be tempered early on. The depth of this group is strong, as is the top-end talent with Derrick Henry and Najee Harris leading the way. Until further notice, Alabama retains the mantle as RBU.