Ranking the NFL's Best Rookie RBs as Season Enters Second Half

The NFL revolves around pass-oriented teams rather than the old-school approach of a strong running game. Of course, there are a few exceptions, such as the 2011-12 San Francisco 49ers, but for the most part, teams have or will become more pass-oriented.  
 
A strong running game allows teams to become more balanced.

Two of the last four Super Bowl champions (Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants) boasted run-oriented teams. Even the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints possessed some form of a running game despite their reputations as pass-oriented teams.  
 
In the 2011 NFL draft, only one running back was selected in the first round. It shows that teams are devaluing the running back position despite the obvious advantages of a strong running game.  
 
With teams like the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers boasting phenomenal rushing attacks, the rest of the league has begun to notice. Both teams are having success with their rookie running backs and have shown how valuable the position still is.  
 
Without further ado, here are the top running backs of the 2011 rookie class. 

7) Da'Rel Scott

Selected by New York Giants: seventh round, 18th pick

The University of Maryland product is one of the fastest players in the NFL. He has phenomenal straight-line speed but lacks elite vision to be a consistent threat. 

Da'Rel Scott is buried behind Ahmad Bradshaw (when healthy), Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware on the depth chart.   

6) Jacquizz Rodgers

Selected by Atlanta Falcons: fifth round, 14th pick

When the Atlanta Falcons inevitably lose running back Jason Snelling in free agency, Jacquizz Rodgers will serve as the perfect scat back to the power running of Michael Turner. 

Despite his short frame, Rodgers is an explosive playmaker with the ball in space and could prove to be a steal for the Atlanta Falcons.  

5) Roy Helu

Selected by Washington Redskins: fourth round, eighth pick

Mike Shanahan has done it again. Roy Helu was a steal in the fourth round and could potentially become the best back in the 2011 rookie class. He has great vision and enough speed to be a force in this league. 

In limited attempts, Helu is averaging five yards a carry. His attempts should increase with all the injuries the Redskins face. 

4) Daniel Thomas

Selected by Miami Dolphins: second round, 30th pick

Daniel Thomas is second among rookies in run attempts (99) and third overall in total rushing yards (356). Thomas has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have derailed the rookie. 

When the QB situation is fixed in Miami, expect Thomas to be even more dangerous. He is a dual threat with the ability to run and catch out of the backfield.

If Thomas can ever stay healthy, the Miami Dolphins will have found their back for the foreseeable future. 

3) Mark Ingram

Selected by New Orleans Saints: first round, 28th pick

The Heisman Trophy winner looks the part in New Orleans and will be a force in the NFL for years to come. 

Among rookies, Mark Ingram is ranked third in rushing attempts (93) and fourth overall in total rushing yards (340). Ingram is ranked third on this list largely because of the New Orleans offense.

The ideal focus of the Saints offense is to spread the ball, meaning Ingram will have limited opportunities (also sharing carries with Pierre Thomas).

2) Kendall Hunter

Selected by San Francisco 49ers: fourth round, 18th pick

The San Francisco 49ers struck gold with the selection of the Oklahoma State product in the fourth round. Kendall Hunter is the perfect scat back and has made a seamless transition into Jim Harbaugh's West Coast offense. 

Kendall Hunter was great in relief for Frank Gore in the victory over the New York Giants. Hunter reminds me of a lighter Frank Gore and should be the future back in San Francisco for a long time to come. 

1) DeMarco Murray

Selected by Dallas Cowboys: third round, 71st pick

DeMarco Murray leads all rookies in rushing attempts (100) and total rushing yards (674). Murray filled in for Felix Jones and has not looked back. Jones is still recovering from injury, but I do not expect the Cowboys to relinquish Murray from the starting spot.  
 
He has nice speed in the open field and elite vision for a running back. The Cowboys have desperately needed a threat in the ground game to lessen the burden for quarterback Tony Romo.  
 
Murray has proven he is far and away the best rookie running back of the 2011 class.