ESPN polled NFL evaluators to rank the top running backs
ESPN is running a series in which they rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions by surveying league executives, coaches, and scouts.
In their top 10 rankings at the running back position, ESPN ranked the New York Jets’ Breece Hall as the second-best running back in the NFL. The only player ahead of him was 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
The top 10 went as follows:
- Christian McCaffrey
- Breece Hall
- Nick Chubb
- Saquon Barkley
- Jonathan Taylor
- Bijan Robinson
- Josh Jacobs
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Derrick Henry
- Travis Etienne Jr.
The writer of the article, Jeremy Fowler, said Hall is considered “the best running back under 25.” Fowler offered some other comments on Hall, including scouting notes from NFL officials.
“[Hall] looked brilliant as a rookie before tearing his ACL, then looked great again late in 2023 with 357 yards and three touchdowns over Weeks 16-18 despite a nonexistent passing game around him. ‘Natural rusher with acceleration through the hole,’ a high-ranking NFL official said. ‘He’s got power and can create his own shot by making someone miss.’
“Hall averaged 4.3 yards per carry against a heavy box (eight or more defenders), which ranked fifth in the NFL. Hall proved versatile with 76 catches for 591 yards, along with his 994 rushing yards.”
Considering his production in 2023, Hall is highly deserving of being considered one of the best running backs in the league. He is an electric playmaker in the passing game and one of the smoothest rushers in the league.
Now, Hall has the situation around him to take another leap in 2024. He has, on paper, one of the best offensive lines in football. There are also multiple weapons to open up underneath space in the passing game, such as Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Malachi Corley.
Can Hall challenge McCaffrey for the top spot, though? He has a great chance if the Jets hit their potential, and it all starts in a head-to-head matchup between the Jets and 49ers in Week 1.
