NFL Free Agency: Power Ranking the Top Available Free Agent Running Backs

Don't count on the NFL to receive much help via a free agent running back. There isn't one available at this point. Plus, the lack of a new CBA clouds the sense of direction for several of best free agent/unrestricted free agent backs available. 

We know that DeAngelo Williams is probably the top back available. However, it makes it difficult to include him when we have no idea what his market status is. Most teams should be interested in Williams, especially the pass-oriented teams (Williams is such a strong back off the draw and stretch play). I won't include Williams in this bunch because of his cloudy state as a free agent. 

However, there are several backs that simply need a shot to be the guy. They have shown enough to merit that opportunity: 

1. Yards per carry. 

2. Both an offense and special teams contributor.

3. Good as a pass catcher.

4. Can be a good inside and outside runner.

This crop of free agents need to prove themselves as solid contributors. This group of free agents have much to prove to their prospective employers.

Here is my ranking of the top-five free agent running backs on the market.  

Jerome Harrison

Really...where did this guy go?! You can't end the 2009 with a nuclear explosion of production only to play the next season with a whisper. I don't think that Harrison is a one year wonder. 

After finishing the 2009 season with 862 yards, 5 touchdowns on a 4.8 YPC. He went into the next season believing that Cleveland would reward him. That just didn't happen. In fact, Cleveland drafted Mardesto Hardesty to be the guy. With the emergence of Peyton Hillis, Harrison was traded to Philadelphia. 

I think he was on the wrong team and in the wrong system. The west coach system in Philadelphia was not the best place for him, having LeSean McCoy on the roster wasn't the best either. It seemed like Cleveland thought he was becoming a headache. Whatever...he broke a record held by Jim Brown. Harrison had the respect of Cleveland, except the front office. 

Jerome Harrison could start for just about any team in the NFL right now. Can you imagine if the Green Bay Packers decided to sign Harrison? He would bring clarity to, what is now, a crowded backfield. 

He can break tackles, he can run between the tackles and outside. He thrives well out of the I formation and he accelerates well. He deserves a chance to start somewhere, on any team that needs an instant running game this season. 

He reminds me of Priest Holmes, their game is similar. This guy deserves that chance. 

Jason Snelling

What can't this running back do? He has played on offense and special teams. He can catch, run, and score doing either. If Michael Turner wasn't being paid so much, Snelling would be a legitimate competitor. 

That being said, I can't imagine the Atlanta Falcons letting this guy go anywhere because Turner had several injuries. It was easy to see that the coaching staff was very comfortable with this 5' 11", 223 pound back start. 

If a team wants Snelling, he will come with quite a price tag. He has great size, good quickness, soft hands, and the willingness to do whatever he needs to do be successful. 

It's interesting that Snelling sits behind Michael Turner. Turner was LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego. Now it's Snelling's turn to rise out of the back up position and make his mark. 

Ricky Williams

Ricky Williams still has game. He still can be a significant contributor. He's got at least two more years to be the "guy." Go ahead, take that risk, you won't be disappointed. 

He has conserved his legs, keeps his body and mind clean, and needs the money. Ricky has communicated that he's tired of life in Miami, if he is able to mend the fence with Tony Sparano, you'll see him back in teal.

However, it would be imperative for teams who need a solid NFL back to woo Ricky if they need a back who gets better as the game goes. Ricky has proved that when given the chance, whether or not he has a great offensive line, he can moved the chains.

Don't necessarily count last year. I think that the Miami Dolphins' offense was dead in the water for most of the season. Ricky is a veteran who still has gas in the tank. So much so that he's one of my top five free agent backs.

Ricky can dominate in most offensive sets because of his skill set. His strength is playing as the games progresses, he loves to run people over and wear defenses down. He hasn't had to do that the past two seasons.

Ricky can still run. Who wants this stud?  

Ahmad Bradshaw

When I watch Ahmad Bradshaw play running back I think of one word, "swagger." He runs the ball like he's having fun, like he loves to give the hit. 

The Giants have also communicated to him that they want him back. Can you blame them? He has waited patiently while the Giants have decided whether or not Brandon Jacobs will blossom into the freak of nature he appears to be when he lines up in the backfield. 

Honestly, Bradshaw has shown more as a complete running back: inside the tackles, outside, and catching the ball. He has worked his way up the depth chart after being drafted in the 7th round in 2007. He has worked hard for his money, his work effort is impressive. Why wouldn't you want him on your team? 

Here's a running back that could really highlight this free agency class if someone steps up with a nice contract, namely the Giants. 

He has never been close to being under 4 YPC. He has always shown that he was more than capable of being better than most running backs drafted in the 7th round. 

He is a champion, a tough back, and talented competitor. And, for the right price, he can be on your team this fall. 

Mike Hart

Alright. I'm reaching here and I completely understand it. Mike Hart is a running back I love simply because of his talent, strength, and ability. Indianapolis looked brilliant for drafting him in the sixth round, it added depth to their backfield. 

I'm lobbying for Mike Hart. He's fighting the "injury-prone" label and that's a really tough label to fight in professional sports. If a team decides to sign him, they have seen proof of his ability on every level. He will be a running back which can do it all. 

It's unfortunate that he tore his ACL. I've had that injury because of football. He can recover and he's trying to convince the Colts that he's worth another shot. I think he needs to play in a more balanced offensive system which runs the ball more often. 

It was evident that Mike Hart can just break tackles. That was his niche and, at Michigan, he carried that offense while Chad Henne sputtered with his inconsistent self. Mike Hart needs to go to a place where he can shine.