The NFL boats many RBs who are threats to take the ball a long way every time they touch it. There are plenty, like Joe Mixon, who miss the list by a sliver. The top 11:
Adrian Peterson
Sure, he was a healthy scratch in Week 1, but that is on Jay Gruden. Until it is proven Adrian Peterson can’t take you down the field on any given play, he deserves a spot on this list. Remember, this is the guy who took a handoff from Mark Sanchez and went 90 yards last year.
Todd Gurley
Woe is knee. Actually, it is the Rams’ opponents who will continue to fear what Todd Gurley and his arthritic knee can do to them. With the Rams looking out for him, he still had 97 yards in the opener, including a 25-yard run and almost busted a few more.
Le’Veon Bell
After sitting out a year in 2018, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for Le’Veon Bell to get back into high gear with the Jets. Or will he have trouble finding that because of the challenges Gang Green has at other positions.
Nick Chubb
In his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, Nick Chubb quickly showed he belonged on the list of running backs to fear every time they have the ball. He almost rushed for 1,000 yards despite making nine starts, had a 92-yard run and averaged 5.2 ypc. Look out, here he comes and there he goes.
Marlon Mack
Marlon Mack increased his career best by 14 yards with a 63-yard jaunt against the Los Angeles Chargers in the opener. The RB from South Florida keeps getting stronger and better and is a asset to Jacoby Brissett now that he is the QB with Andrew Luck retired.
Dalvin Cook
When his legs are right, and they haven’t been for much of his NFL career, Dalvin Cook is a long-distance threat all the time. He has played 15 games in three seasons to date and is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and has a 70-yard run to his credit. If he stays healthy, anything is possible.
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry can get you the long play on a rush or by catching a pass. He went 99 yards last year against Jacksonville and in the opener he took off after catching a Marcus Mariota pass and did not stop until he was in the end zone 75 yards later.
Ezekiel Elliott
A dual threat. Ezekiel Elliott combines speed and power. He’s a terror coming out of the backfield to catch passes or running through the line. Good luck trying to bring the Dallas Cowboys star down.
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara can ruin your day three ways. The New Orleans Saints’ star RB can menace by running, receiving and returning. Don’t be surprised when he eclipses his longest run of 74 yards and reception of 42 in 2019.
Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey specializes in plays that go for 10 or more yards. He’s already got a career-best, 59-yard run to his credit while just starting his third season. Receptions that go for 30 or more yards are no surprise. Elite.
Saquon Barkley
The Giants haven’t had much go right. However, they did the right thing in choosing Saquon Barkley second over Sam Darnold. The brilliant former Penn State RB had a 78-yard run, and a 57-yard reception … as a rookie. He’s a threat anytime, anywhere, anyway he has the ball on the field.
