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We know the top 5 RB's in the NFL are Christian McCaffrey, Saquan Barkley, Zeke Elliott, Alvin Kamara, and Derrick Henry, but what current NFL RB's are poised to take their game to the next level and enter into the top five tier of RB's?
Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb carried the football 298 times while amassing 1494 rushing yards and 8 TD's in 2019. Chubb has shown he can be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield, picking up 36 receptions on 45 targets and 278 yds in 2019. Chubb ranked 2nd among all backs in the NFL in missed tackle rate (22%), and 2nd overall in forced missed tackles among all backs with at least 100 combined targets and rush attempts. Chubb led the NFL in explosive runs (17) of 15 yds or more. He did fumble three times in 2019, and that is an area he needs to clean up.
What does Chubb need to do to become a top 5 RB?
He is very close to top-five status in the mainstream, and some have him in the top five. He needs to work on fumbles and continue to grow as a receiver out of the backfield in Cleveland.
Josh Jacobs
Jacobs had a fantastic rookie season in 2019 rushing 242 times for 1150 yards and 7 TD's. Jacobs had five total 100+ yard rushing games (6th) in 2019. As a receiver, Jacobs picked up 20 receptions on 26 targets for 166 yards. His ability to make you miss in a phone booth allowed him to lead the NFL in total forced missed tackles, and total forced missed tackle rate (29%) among RB's with a combined 100 total receiving targets and rush attempts in 2019.
What does Jacobs need to do to become a top 5 RB?
Jacobs is on the way to elite status. His ability to make you miss in the smallest of areas will be one of the ways he can be consistent. His usage as a receiver is expected to increase in 2020 and this is where we assume he makes the most significant leap in production and a step towards top-five RB status in the NFL.
Dalvin Cook
Cook has all the elite skills needed to be a top-five RB. in 2019, Cook amassed 1135 yards on 250 rush att and 13 TDs. As a receiver, he picked up 53 receptions on 62 targets and 519 yds. Cook ranked 15th in forced missed tackle rate (17%). Cooks possesses great vision and elite balance.
What does Cook need to do to become a top 5 RB?
Cook needs to stay healthy. He amassed his 1135 yards in 14 games a season ago and was on pace for a 285 carry season, which would have placed him in the top 5 of total carries among RB's in 2019. His total volume of 320 in 14 games would have been 356 based on his pe game averages, placing him in the top five of total volume among RB's.
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