NFL 2009-2010 Off-Beat Rankings: Backup Running Backs

There's a world of NFL player rankings out there. But backup running backs? Not so much.

That's why my latest addition of "NFL 2009-2010 Off-Beat Rankings" covers all 32 bench-warming studs known as second-string running backs. Back-up quarterbacks and third-string receivers are soon to follow.

So, without further introduction, let's start the countdown!

32. Chris Brown, Houston

31. Kevin Jones, Chicago

30. Brian Leonard, Cincinnati

29. Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville

28. Jerome Harrison, Cleveland

27. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City

26. Ladell Betts, Washington

25. Antonio Pittman, St. Louis

24. Brandon Jackson, Green Bay

23. Correll Buckhalter, Denver

22. TJ Duckett, Seattle

21. Maurice Morris, Detroit

20. Fred Jackson, Buffalo

19. Ray Rice, Baltimore

18. Glen Coffee, San Francisco

17. Michael Bush, Oakland

16. Beanie Wells, Arizona

Had a successful but injury-filled career at Ohio State before being leaving early to enter the draft.

He would be ranked a little lower for his non-existent durability, but he's on a team that only has Tim Hightower to support him at the position.

15. Ernest Graham, Tampa Bay

It's a good thing for Tampa Bay he's not starting now that they brought in Derrick Ward, but Graham will actually do pretty well as a solid backup for the Bucs.

14. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta

Norwood is one of the most overlooked players in all of the NFL.

With top-level RB Michael Turner ahead of him, most fantasy owners, as well as casual fans, pass him by as an unimportant depth player.

But he's not.

Norwood could, in fact, be a third-round running back if he was starting for Atlanta instead of Turner.

13. Ricky Williams, Miami

He got a slight majority of the carries in 2008 but the emergence of Ronnie Brown has shoved Williams out of a starting job. Still, the 'Fins will be happy with their backup position as long as Williams is there.

12. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh

A big sleeper pick in fantasy leagues over the aging Willie Parker, Mendenhall provides good skill at the position.

11. Donald Brown, Indianapolis

The rookie out of UConn has also made a splash among fantasy football owners, and may end up getting half of the carries with the aging and wearing down Joseph Addai.

He would easily be top 10, but the Colts are just too much of a passing offense.

10. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

Ahmad Bradshaw could easily step into a dual role alongside Brandon Jacobs almost like Derrick Ward did with the Giants last year.

If only he could reach his full potential.

He's a top 10 backup for a talented team. However, I have a sneaky feeling that Bradshaw is a bit overrated heading into the year.

9. Leon Washington, New York Jets

Washington could probably start for more than seven or so teams right now, but he's smack in the middle of a big running back mess for the Jets that also includes unhappy Thomas Jones and rookie Shonn Greene.

It's likely, though, that Washington could expect a fairly high role in the offense with Sanchez at QB.

8. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia

LeSean McCoy has the chance to become the most hyped rookie of the year if he performs, or the bust pick of the year if he collapses under pressure.

7. Chester Taylor, Minnesota

Chester Taylor really is a very underrated player. Adrian Peterson obviously outshines him in the high-powered Minnesota running game, but he could be a decent starter for some teams.

6. Felix Jones, Dallas

If Marion Barber turns out to play inconsistently again, Jones may step into a higher role and could very easily produce above-average starter numbers.

5. Laurence Maroney/Fred Taylor/Kevin Faulk/Sammy Morris, New England

The Patriots have so many good running backs, it's amazing. Whoever starts, though, won't likely get more than 55 percent of the carries, which leaves the backup with a decently high role.

And they will likely have the skill to fulfill it.

4. Reggie Bush, New Orleans

After all the hype, Reggie Bush ended up a bust. But he's still a good running back, and his pass-catching ability may give him a high role in the amazingly overloaded New Orleans offense.

3. Darren Sproles, San Diego

Darren Sproles is the smallest RB in the league, but he may be the fastest. If LT slides farther down the production chart this season, Sproles may even have the chance to become a big-time starter.

2. LenDale White, Tennessee

If you get over his attitude, White is really one of the premier backups in the league. His power is incredible, and that makes him an ideal short-yardage replacement for the swift, fancy Chris Johnson in the run-oriented Titans offense.

1. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina

He's lining up, he gets the hand-off, he takes off, and the scoreboard operator is suddenly very busy.

That's the way Jonathan Stewart plays, and this is just his second year. If DeAngelo Williams wasn't there, Stewart could probably be a top-10 overall back as well.