Best RBs in the NFC North
By: Jake Rajala
The NFC North is loaded with running back talent. There are elusive, powerful, and all-purpose RBs in the division. With that said, I’m going to take a unique angle by ranking the best RBs in the NFC North.
1. Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs is one of the most explosive ball-carriers in the league. All he did last season was rush for 16 TDs, 1,412 rushing yards, and averaged 5.6 YPC! PFF slabbed him a grade of 88.5, which was sixth in the league. Gibbs is assisted by a Detroit Lions offensive line that was ranked fifth in the league by PFSN.
2. Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is a bully with the football. The Raiders were lucky that trading Josh Jacobs worked out for them, as they drafted Ashton Jeanty. Jacobs ran for 1,329 rushing yards, 15 TDs, and averaged 4.4 YPC. He proved that his 2022 season wasn’t a fluke (when he ran for 1,653 yards). PFF handed him a grade of 91.5.
3. David Montgomery
David Montgomery is a bowling ball. Him and Gibbs are like thunder and lightning. Montgomery is a steal, which has been on full display. He ran for 1,015 yards and 13 TDs in 2023. He then proceeded to run for 775 yards and 12 TDs in 14 games. 84.9 was handed to David from PFF (which was 11th among RBs).
4. Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones is a talented all-purpose ball-carrier. He was a borderline Pro Bowl RB last season. He ran for 1,138 rushing yards. He also had 408 receiving yards a season ago. He has had four seasons where he ran over 1k yards. He also has 50 career rushing touchdowns. PFF gave him a score of 75.8.
5. D’Andre Swift
Just as David Montgomery went from Chicago to Detroit, Swift fled from Detroit to Chicago. Swift still has his best years in front of him. After all, he’s coming off a career best season of total yards (1,345). Swift is dangerous in space. Ben Johnson should unlock his best qualities.
The NFC North has a couple of Top-5 RBs, which can’t be said by any other division. They also have RBs who are studs at catching the football. I’d like to see one of these RBs win a Lombardi trophy. It would make the RB spot seem more valuable. Three of these four RBs are 27 or younger.
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