NFL's 5 Most Overrated Running Backs

Over the past decade, the NFL has really evolved into a passing league. With talented guys like Brady, Manning, Brees, Rodgers and Rivers, it is no wonder why the running back position has changed so much.

It used to be you just needed a monster in the backfield that could roll over people like Jerome Bettis and Mike Alstott. More and more today, teams are utilizing guys like Reggie Bush, Jahvid Best and Darren Sproles as pass catchers in the open field. There are still big bruisers like Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson and Brandon Jacobs, but the game has changed.

There are some guys that are viewed as elite running backs in this league, and I'm still not sure why. I know there will be a lot of people ready to defend their guys here, but I just want to know what they do that is so much better than anyone else. I'm not saying any of these players are terrible, just over-hyped in my opinion.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

While Charles had an outstanding season last year in Kansas City, I will need to see more of that before we can label him as a top four or five back in the NFL. Not only will you find his name at the top of most fantasy football drafts, but his name is being mentioned as one of the best players in the new Madden NFL 12 game.

While neither of those things are real, we will need to see if Charles has the ability to become an elite player, or if last season was just a one-hit-wonder.

Shonn Greene, New York Jets

Jones is the beneficiary of a great offensive line and a Hall of Fame fellow back in LaDainian Tomlinson. Obviously this isn't the same L.T. we saw for so many years in San Diego, but make no mistake about it, he is still very good.

Greene has had his share of fumbles throughout his career, but he was able to cut down on them during the Playoffs last year.

I think he and L.T. make for a tremendous pair for the Jets in the backfield, but on his own, I don't think he is anything special.

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

I don't want to make this about his off the field remarks on certain topics, so lets just stick to his game. Mendenhall has been a valuable asset to the Steelers, and has proven that he is a solid starter in the league.

Anything other than that though should be questioned. Mendenhall has consistently had problems with short yardage and goal line situations, which has frustrated the Pittsburgh franchise.

Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts

Obviously with Peyton Manning at the helm, the running game is going to be overshadowed by the aerial attack. The offensive line is very good when it comes to pass blocking, but couldn't lead a running back through a wall of toilet paper.

Addai is not your traditional "pound the rock" back like he may have been at LSU. His main job is to pass block for Peyton, as he is the last line of safety for the future Hall of Famer. People who think he is an elite back need to realize that he is just another lineman, in better shape of course.

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

When Brandon Jacobs was plowing over defenders left and right, there were people that thought Ahmad Bradshaw might be on the way out. Instead, he took over the starting job, and for some reason that translated into people's minds that he was significantly better than Jacobs.

Jacobs has much more wear and tear on his body and he has had issues with the organization the past couple of years. Bradshaw is a very nice fit in New York, but to label him as anything more than average would be a mistake.