If the 2024 NFL season taught us anything, it’s that running backs officially matter again. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Saquon Barkley in the offseason and his 2,000-yard campaign helped the team make it to the Super Bowl.
Barkley may have been the best running back in the league, but several others also had incredible seasons. Derrick Henry dominated for the Baltimore Ravens, while Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs each had breakout years.
During Super Bowl media day, Barkley was asked to name his top three running backs. The former No. 2 overall pick excluded himself in his answer, naming Henry, Gibbs and Robinson as his top three.
“I’mma go Derrick [Henry],” said Barkley. “I’mma go [Jahmyr] Gibbs. I’mma go Bijan [Robinson].”
Robinson finished third in rushing behind Barkley and Henry with 1,456 yards last season. The former Texas standout was selected with the No. 8 overall pick in 2023 — the highest any running back has been drafted since Barkley was taken by the New York Giants second overall in 2018.
Barkley and Robinson faced off in Week 2 on Monday Night Football. The Falcons pulled off a miraculous fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Eagles, 22-21.