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NFL Power Rankings, preseason mode: Top 7 running backs in the AFC East

By Tarringo Basile-Vaughan

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stiff-arms cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders before being tackled in the first quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stiff-arms cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders before being tackled in the first quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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New York Jets running back Breece Hall
New York Jets running back Breece Hall. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

No. 3: New York Jets young running back Breece Hall back and ready

New York Jets fans likely won’t see the return of Breece Hall until the start of the start of the regular season, but that doesn’t stop us from putting the second year running back in the Top 3 in the NFL power rankings of AFC East running backs.

Breece, who was having a great rookie season until he tore his ACL, may still take a few weeks to get back to where he was prior to the injury.  The addition of Dalvin Cook gives him some time.  It also gives him motivation to pick up where he left off in 2022.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh served up on optimism on Hall’s recovery back in July.

"“He looks really good,” Salah told the media.  “Someone gave me a little whisper that he hit 23 (mph) on his GPS, so he looks really good.  He looks strong, he’s n really good shape.  Obviously, we’re going to do good by him and make sure that we slow play it, but he’s in really good shape.”"

In just 7 games played during his rookie season, Hall rushed for 463 yards on 80 carries with 4 touchdowns.  He was well on his way to a 1,000 yard season and a strong candidate for AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year prior to the injury.

No. 2: Rhamondre Stevenson is an offensive force for the Patriots

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is knocking on the door for that No. 1 spot in the division.  He is also close to showing the entire NFL that he is a top 10 back at the very least.

As a dual-threat option in the Patriots’ offense, Stevenson rushed for over 1,000 yards in his second season in the NFL and led the team in receptions with 69 catches.  With the addition of tight end Mike Gesicki and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, Stevenson’s receptions out of the backfield should go down a bit, but his production on the ground will be just as valuable.

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The exciting running back out of Oklahoma should see a little less wear and tear with the addition of Elliott which will make him fresher at the end of games and towards the end of the season.  With a pure combination of power and break-away speed, Stevenson will torch opposing defenses and be even more of a force in 2023.

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