2011 Top 10 Halfbacks: Peterson Edges Holdout Johnson

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings

Peterson has entered his prime, with an incredible blend of athleticism to dominate opposing defenses. He is a great straight line rusher, who is fast in the open field and strong enough to run through people. He's also a deceptive and intelligent runner, navigating through the play. He has continued to produce even as the Vikings line has aged. Not a horrible blocker either.

2. Chris Johnson, Titans

Possibly the fastest man in the sport, Johnson is the most dangerous back in the open field. Although he was this year's holdout story, he's athletic enough to get ready and fast. He is still very good at breaking tackles and getting through holes, but he's at his best using his excellent offensive tackles and then beating linebackers and defensive backs. Great as a receiver as well.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

A very underrated runner, Jones-Drew is the focal point on the Jaguars offense which keeps them competitive. He is a small, thick, built rusher, with excellent quickness for his build. He has excellent awareness and can read the defense very well. He has a variety of moves to break tackles and times and coordinates them well. He also receives and blocks well.

4. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

What a breakout year Charles had, and he didn't even get as many carries as others on this list. His 6.4 yards per carry is astonishing, and if he had gotten all the Chiefs' carries, he would have crushed the 2,000 yard mark. Along with great top-end speed, he has excellent acceleration, making him dangerous when he gets to the second level. He could be the best in some time.

5. Arian Foster, Texans

Foster is a durable back who stays strong as the game goes on and the defense gets tired. He had a breakout year last season. He's not a huge-movemaker, but shows great burst and churns his legs through the hole. He is an excellent complement to Shaub and Johnson on that offense. An excellent overall rusher.

6. Stephen Jackson, Rams

Injuries and age are starting to catch up to the star running back, but few players deserve as much respect as Jackson over his career. With inferior blocking, Jackson consistently put up stellar numbers for the ailing Rams. In other years, he could be considered the best in the league. Now, he still remains an elite power rusher who can always battle for the extra yards.

7. Michael Turner, Falcons

A solid experienced veteran. He's starting to age, but he still is durable and becomes more dominant as the game progresses. He has good technique and awareness, and has deceptive speed even as he continues to age. He helps a great offense in Atlanta as a strong, powerful rusher who can get the needed yards.

8. Ray Rice, Ravens 

A jack-of-all-trades running back who is among the best runners and receivers at the position. He's one of the short, stout running backs who has great athleticism. For a young back, he also has excellent instincts. He's a huge focal point for the Baltimore offense, a team which still has strong Super Bowl chances.

9. Peyton Hillis, Browns

Hillis was a huge pickup for the Browns, revitalizing their stagnant line. Along with excellent lineman, Hillis just plowed through defenders last season, getting first-down after first-down. He has versatility, as he has played fullback before as well. That background makes him one of the better blockers among halfbacks. Hopefully he doesn't gets hit with the Madden curse. 

10. Darren McFadden, Raiders

With a subpar line, McFadden lived up to his high draft pick with outstanding numbers. He has excellent speed, size and athleticism, and he has developed in to a smart, Pro-Bowl caliber fullback. His production was very efficient this season, averaging around five yards per carry, helping to keep Oakland competitive in the division.

Also considered...

LeSean McCoy, Eagles: highly efficient and versatile, deserving of top 10

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: great production with a mediocre line

DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: great player, coming off injury, splitting carries

Frank Gore, 49ers: One of the best when healthy, but not healthy often

LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers: breakthrough prospect in Tampa