NFL: The 10 Best Current Running Backs

Running backs are slowly replacing the quarterback as the most important piece in a football team's offense. Don't believe it? Look at it this way: teams are relying more on two solid runners in order to take the heat off passing games that could be mediocre or lack deep speed.

Yes, having a top-notch runner is now chic in the NFL.

So much emphasis is put on having a great offensive line as well as strong, fast runners and a great line surge at the goal line to keep defenses honest.

It will also be interesting how much teams will reply on the running game if regular season games are cut and the time to prepare for the upcoming NFL season is affected.

Here is a look at the 10 best running backs in the NFL today.

10. LeGarrette Blount

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks the tackle of defender Kentwan Balmer #95 of the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J.

Blount did not even start the season with Tampa Bay, but he came on strong after signing and made opposing teams stand up and take notice.

A full season in Tampa and a better understanding of the Buccaneers' offense can only mean great things are coming for Blount and his teammates.

9. Jamaal Charles

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by linebacker Rolando McClain #55 of the Oakland Raiders in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey

Charles runs over people and is a key reason the Chiefs were successful last season. He also opens the passing game for Matt Cassel.

With Jon Baldwin being the first pick in this year's draft, Charles' tendency to run over defenders could open things up for a huge season for the rookie.

8. Arian Foster

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes past linebacker Daryl Smith #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Terrance Knighton #96 at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Im

Although Foster just had a break-out season, I am not yet sold on him. Nonetheless, he's a great runner with good vision.

Still, running backs are often one-hit wonders. Foster needs to back up last season with another outstanding one to prove his worth.

7. Michael Turner

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Photo by Street

Turner is key to the Falcons' running game. When he was signed from San Diego, he immediately made the team an offensive threat.

While Matt Ryan throws the ball to some of the best receivers in the game, Turner is the player who instills fear in the defensive front seven.

6. Rashard Mendenhall

Rob Carr/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after running for an eight yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlingt

Regardless of whether he is clueless about world events or opens his mouth and spews junk, Mendenhall is the bull the Steelers need to make things go.

Jerome Bettis and Franco Harris played the position in Pittsburgh before him. Now, Mendenhall further's the franchise's long list of great running backs.

5. Peyton Hillis

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns participates in a photo shoot for the cover of EA Sports Madden NFL 12 on April 28, 2011 in Time Square, New York City (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for EA Sports)

Hillis is Larry Csonka-like. He just runs over defenses.

Hillis was the lone bright spot for the Browns last season, and to be chosen for the cover of Madden 2012 is a testament to his popularity among fans.

4. Steven Jackson

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams hands the ball off to running back Steven Jackson #39 during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Gre

Now that there is decent passing attack in St. Louis, look for Jackson to flourish this season.

Jackson is a down-field runner who runs through tackles. He also catches the ball out of the backfield and will block when needed. If he can shake his injuries, he will be great this season.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the game against the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

If Jones-Drew played for a better team, he would top this list. Both quick and sudden, he reminds me of a bowling ball that won't stop until it reaches the pins at the end of the lane.

Furthermore, Jones-Drew is hard to bring down and can catch 50 passes as well.

2. Chris Johnson

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Robert Mathis #98 and Antonio Johnson #99 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. the Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Andy

Johnson could top 2000 yards again in his career. He is a solid runner and is quicker than lightning.

If the Titans are to return themselves to prominence, it will need to start with Johnson and the running game.

1. Adrian Peterson

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Adrian Peterson is the player to build a franchise around. He is a beast and the best runner in the game today, period.

Minnesota will continue to go through growing pains in the passing game, but Peterson gives them a chance to score every time he touches the ball.