Top 10 RBs in the NFL

Andrew O

Contributor Written on February 24, 2009

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 11: Brian Westbrook #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New York Giants on January 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defea

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Here is my list of the top 10 RBs in the league. I got the idea from everyone arguing about the best quarterbacks. I'm not basing the list on stats, just the idea of if I had to have a team ready today who I would pick. It was much harder to do than I thought it would be. The usual are in there, but I threw in some curveballs to make this interesting. Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

10. Le'ron McClain

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 30: Fullback Le'Ron McClain #33 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 30, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 34-3.(Ph

I know no one will agree with this one, but I would love to line this guy up in an unbalanced formation as my tailback...or fullback, for that matter. This guy is huge!

9. Steven Jackson

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams carries the ball during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers won 17-16. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Ge

He is a pretty elite RB, but his refusal to show to camp turned me off of him, and the last two years have been sub par.

8. Frank Gore

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Shaun Hill #13 of the San Francisco 49ers hands off to Frank Gore #21 against the Buffalo Bills on November 30, 2008 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The 49ers won10-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Ima

I've never really watched this guy very much; in fact, I'm on YouTube for him right now. I could easily see this guy being an MVP next year, depending on who Singletary brings in for the offense.

7. Larry Johnson

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 28: Larry Johnson #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game on December 28, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

When I think football, I want high character players, and Larry is not really one of those guys. He is a good player, but I wouldn't prefer to take him after the stuff he has done over the years...hope he stays with you, Chiefs fans.

6. Michael Turner

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 03: Runningback Michael Turner #32 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Wild Card Game on January 3, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jed Jacobsoh

At first I thought he was overpaid, but maybe it was an OK call. Pretty impressive first year starting.

5. Marion Barber

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 28: Tony Romo #9 and Marion Barber #24 of the Dallas Cowboys walk to the bench after losing possesion of the ball in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 28, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia,

I love big bruising running backs, but...he is a Cowboy, and just does not have enough heart. Sorry, Cowboys fans (loved week 17, by the way).

4. Clinton Portis

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 28: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball during the game against of the San Fransisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 28, 2008 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Pretty darn good running back; he's versatile and has a good RB to spell him. As an Eagles fan, it seems he gets hurt too often, though. I can remember one game off the top of my head when he hurt us.

3. Brian Westbrook

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 28: Brian Westbrook #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys on December 28, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 44-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaa

I love this guy; if it was a team on Madden, I'd pick him first. During fantasy, I picked him with the No. 2 pick (won the league), but his durability and the offensive focus on him are too much. Fumbles a little more than desired, too.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 03: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers walks off the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in overtime in the AFC Wild Card Game on January 3, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen

The most talented RB in the league, need I say more?

1. Brandon Jacobs

I love watching this guy play (except against the Eagles, of course). Ridiculously powerful and just bounces off of people. I would like to have this guy more than anyone else in the league.

Begin Slideshow

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