Ranking the Backup RB - 2014

[averagejoe]

Maybe its a remedial way of ranking, but each season I rank the starting RB (or RB1), and then I rank the backups (or RB2).

There might be too much of a debate to nickle and dime each of the 32 backup RB. So what if we did it in groups of eight? That would give us four groups. Here's how I see them in no particular order:

RB2 Group 1 (Most Relevant)
Joique Bell, Stevan Ridley, Lamar Miller, Darren Sproles, Chris Ivory, Bernard Pierce, Devonta Freeman, Carlos Hyde

RB2 Group 2
Andre Brown, LeGarrette Blount, Knile Davis, Stepfan Taylor, C.J. Anderson, James Starks, Jordan Todman, Lance Dunbar

RB2 Group 3
Fred Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Danny Woodhead, Jeremy Hill, Jonathan Stewart, Roy Helu, David Wilson, Robert Turbin

RB2 Group 4 (Least Relevant)
Mark Ingram, Shonn Greene, Charles Sims, Ka'Deem Carey, Vick Ballard, Benny Cunningham, Matt Asiata, Dion Lewis


I realize that some of these guys may not keep their RB2 spot. I guess that's where you guys come in? Who needs to move from one group to the other?

 

[TKOSpikes]

I suppose it depends on how you rank, whether it's talent, opportunity, or a combination of both, but as a group I would take Group 3. With all due respect to Bell, Ridley, Miller and Freeman (who could all be #1 by Halloween), I think if all the lead backs stay healthy (obviously no chance of that happening, but...), I'll take group 3 for the most production in a "back up" role.

 

[TREFF]

IMHO, even if things go perfectly for all 32 "starting" RB's..most of the guys you put in group 3, I'd have in at least the second tier, in Freddie Jackson, MJD's cases, probably the first tier. And I"m not so certain that Lamaar Miller starts the season as a backup, wouldn't be shocked at all to see him as the starter

 

[leftypower]

I suppose it depends on how you rank, whether it's talent, opportunity, or a combination of both, but as a group I would take Group 3. With all due respect to Bell, Ridley, Miller and Freeman (who could all be #1 by Halloween), I think if all the lead backs stay healthy (obviously no chance of that happening, but...), I'll take group 3 for the most production in a "back up" role.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

Should Forte go down, I think Kadeem Carey could surprise people.

 

[averagejoe]

Should Forte go down, I think Kadeem Carey could surprise people.

Not sure I agree. Backup RB in Chicago hasn't been that good. Chester Taylor was a bust. Marion Barber was an idiot. And even Michael Bush under Trestman was was ranked 63rd last season.

 

[wilwhite]

Well, Joique, Sproles and Woodhead are the most likely to be consistent contributors regardless of what happens to the RB1, while Andre Brown has the best chance to take over as lead back (I'm with Treff on Lamar Miller so I'll drop him from the conversation and put Moreno in his place... in Group Crap).

So the question is what you're looking for. As a flex I'd lean toward the first three, whereas if I wanted a bench guy who could take over for a weak RB2, I might take a shot on Andre Brown or David Wilson.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

Not sure I agree. Backup RB in Chicago hasn't been that good. Chester Taylor was a bust. Marion Barber was an idiot. And even Michael Bush under Trestman was was ranked 63rd last season.

Well none of those players are Kadeem Carey. This guy looks to be an absolute stud. If forte goes down, I'm going to try to pick him up.

 

[averagejoe]

I guess I can hijack my own thread... Don't you just love it when someone says that a RB is too small? i.e. Andre Ellington. Some say he isn't built for the NFL at 5'-10" & 199 lbs.

These are the top 10 career rushing leaders:
Emmitt Smith 5-9, 216
Walter Payton 5-10, 200
Barry Sanders 5-8, 203
Curtis Martin 5-11, 210
LT 5-10, 211
Bus 5-11, 252 (wow)
Eric Dickerson 6-3, 220 (huge)
Tony Dorsett 5-11, 192
Jim Brown 6-2, 232 (massive)
Marshall Faulk 5-10, 211

Just saying.