As we all know, I’m about as big of a Larry Johnson backer as you’ll find in the universe. I’ve said dozens of times that I think he’s the best pure rusher and second best running back in the league, so that’s nothing new. What I did discover that’s new, at least to most of us, is that New Era Scouting also ranks Iron Man as the second best RB in the NFL. Take a look:
Our preseason look at every player in the NFL continues with our running back rankings. Every NFL running back and fullback are listed.
Please note that the grades given are our own. Each player is ranked in order of who we would want as our starting running back for the 2008 NFL Season only. We have taken in to account age, production and potential in grading the players below. Only drafted rookies are listed.Name- Team- Grade- Stats (Attempts/Yards/Average/TD)
1. LaDainian Tomlinson- SD- 10- 315/1474/4.7/15
2. Larry Johnson- KC- 10- 158/559/3.5/3
3. Adrian Peterson- MIN- 10- 238/1341/5.6/12
4. Steven Jackson- STL- 9- 237/1002/4.2/5
5. Brian Westbrook- PHI- 9- 278/1333/4.8/7
6. Willie Parker- PIT- 8- 321/1316/4.1/2
7. Joseph Addai- IND- 8- 261/1072/4.1/12
8. Marion Barber- DAL- 8- 204/975/4.8/10
9. Frank Gore- SF- 8- 260/1102/4.2/5
10. Willis McGahee- BAL- 8- 294/1207/4.1/7
11. Fred Taylor- JAC- 8- 223/1202/5.4/5
I listed the rankings way down through Marion Barber and Fred Taylor for those of you who have been coming ’round these parts arguing that they can hang with L.J. Argue if you want, but New Era Scouting has a pretty damn good reputation. A much better one than Pet Prisco for sure. Sharing the same score with Adrian Peterson and LaDanian Tomlinson. That’s pretty good company, folks. It just frustrates me that sometimes he doesn’t even get this level of respect from Chiefs fans and local media, because I think he’s earned it.
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It’s really nice to see LJ getting that kind of recognition. I think he deserves it, and I only hope that he can prove it this season.
Looking through the list, I’m surprised to see Maurice Jones-Drew so low and Reggie Bush so high though.
22 and 23 respectively.
Yah I think people still like the sexy pick of Reggie. MJD had a great rookie season (won me a fantasy championship, thank you) but sophomore year was a bit of a let down considering what he did the year before. Yet I still love seeing him blow up Merriman!
Truthfully, LJ could end up as one of the top five RB’s of all time. Certainly he has the talent and work ethic. He’s also been amazingly durable – I think last years foot injury was a kind of freak event.
Unlike some other players in the league noted for being ‘distant or moody’ LJ’s personality between the lines has never lacked complete dedication and commitment. And you’re right Adam – he DOES deserve more respect from some of these “fair-weather, we only love you when you win” Chiefs fans.
LJ is the real deal, and I’m really glad King Carl ponied up the dough for him. If he’s 100%, I will not be at all surprized to see him have 1500 yds in Chan’s offense this season.
Only LD and Adrian are in LJ’s class in the league right now, and both of them are shifty, scatback types who will fade quickly when their speed declines. LJ runs downhlll like Jim Brown, and when he leaves the game, he’ll be packing some league record book with him.
This was a great comment! Loved it.
I agree!
Fred Taylor shares his load with Maurice Jones-Drew and still managaes to have amazing stats (usually, Maurice gets the touchdowns and Freddy T gets the yards because of the type of running back they are). I guess they don’t like his old age.
Bunch of gosh darned ageist.
Someone please forward this to Prisco stat!
768 yards and a 4.6 average is not amazing stats, Jeanne. Though it’s really nice for a backup (especially the 9 TDs). Nobody here doubts MJD’s talent. Settle down.