Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!

My top 7 would be:

1. Peterson
2. Jackson
3. Westbrook
4. Turner
5. Tomlinson
6. Portis
7. Jones

It's so subjective though. I could arrange this list a bunch of different ways depending on what stats I'm looking at or how my mood strikes me. Portis is right there, I've got no problem with someone saying he's top 5, top 7, or top 10. Rankings in the end are kinda silly and just a discussion topic. All I know is he's damn good, and a very good all around back.

adrian peterson
steven jackson
michael turner
deangelo williams
thomas jones

CP isn't top 5 by running ability, but let's first establish the criteria. If you want an all around back he's likely one of the top 5. Westbrook as well, he does a lot for his team. Peterson has had issues w/pass protection & they don't use him on 3rd downs unless he's running the ball.

I think Steven Jackson is often overlooked, and I hate to say it but Marion the barbarian is solid in about every phase of the game, just lacks breakaway speed.

Running back has become a tough position to rate IMO, there are so many guys in the nfl racking up yards that any given week somebody random looks like a hall of famer. I think it's safe to say that this is a position that most teams have no trouble finding talent in the mid rounds of the draft. Kind of funny, when I grew up rb's were among the highest paid, most celebrated players. They still have the name recognition, but free agency has reduced their per capita value.

Yeah, HARD to judge RBs these days. Seems like the best running teams platoon their backs, which seems to make a lot of sense for several reasons. Portis is good, but RBs seem to be a dime a dozen with rookies coming in every year and putting up ridiculous stats from day one.

If blocking is weighted heavily, Portis is close to the top, but if being a threat in the passing game, being able to score from anywhere on the field and showing the ability to be a "game-changer" are important factors then I can see how Portis was left off the list. I like Portis, but he's a "3 yards and a cloud of dust" kind of back at this stage in his career.

There are dozens of backs that would rack up 1500 yards if they were given as many carries as Portis. Just doesn't happen that much anymore, because teams are smarter about how they use their weapons. I hope the Skins coaching staff gets with the program this year, so teams have to defend our entire offense and Portis is fresher at the end of the season.

Here's what I hate about these rankings. Let's take a look at LaDainian Tomlinson. He's had a great career, but didn't his team almost cut him because they thought that he was getting old and would not restructure? So, can the Chargers win without him? I think they might; whereas in the case of Westbrook, I don't think the Iggles can with without him. I'm sure the same could be said of Portis.

RBs hit the wall like no other position, and I'm sure Faulk is taking that into consideration. Look at Sean Alexander.

It's hard not to like Portis even with all the stupid stuff he pulls, but he isn't even close to the top 5 runningbacks. Whens the last time you have seen him outrun anyone. He's not bad but dont get hurt hes not in top 5 list, maybe it will motivate him.

I like Portis, but not for the money he makes. RB seems to be the easiest position to fill, and the best teams seem to put their money elsewhere... O and D line, for example. Look at the Pats. Anyone they stick in the backfield seems to get 100 yards. It's because they are solid everywhere else - passing game, O-line, etc. Would prefer to see the skins build a solid foundation, so that players at skill positions can be interchanged without the team missing a beat.

I like Portis, but not for the money he makes. RB seems to be the easiest position to fill, and the best teams seem to put their money elsewhere... O and D line, for example. Look at the Pats. Anyone they stick in the backfield seems to get 100 yards. It's because they are solid everywhere else - passing game, O-line, etc. Would prefer to see the skins build a solid foundation, so that players at skill positions can be interchanged without the team missing a beat.

I couldnt agree more. CP is a nice back but not for the $ he makes. He's not a break away threat anymore and as a result, he isnt a game changer he's a pounder and pounders shouldnt make what he makes.

On NFL Total Access last night they, I mean Marshall Faulk presented his top five running backs I the league and the lists was as follows:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. DeAngelo Williams
3. Michael Turner
4. LaDanian Tomlinson
5. Maurice Jones-Drew/Brian Westbrook (tied for 5th)

I can hardly disagree with Adrian Peterson but, seriously, no Portis anywhere on the list?! That is just plain ridiculous. Allow me to 'critique' Faulk's list and then present my own. I agree with Adrian Peterson. DeAngelo Williams isn't even the best RB on his own team, Michael Turner has been a number 2 most of his career until last season in which he did have an outstanding year, but to say he is now among the elite is a bit premature. LaDanian Tomlinson, IMO, should always be in this discussion despite his nagging injuries of late. Maurice Jones-Drew and Westbrook are close although I think defensive coordinators fear scheming against Westbrook far more than Jones-Drew. What would be your guys list of the Top 5 RB's in the NFL?....This is my attempt to break the monotony of all of the Campbell sucks, Vinny sucks, Zorn sucks, and Snyder sucks threads LMAO.

Really? Who's better? Jonathan Stewart is pretty good, but D'Angelo had a monster year.

I'd say:

A.P.
D'Angelo
Turner
LT
Westbrook
Portis
Gore
MJD
Barber

Something like that.

Portis > Turner, but Gore is as well. Even CP would go to bat for Gore.

I don't know if Portis is a top five back, but he wouldn't be more than a small step behind Peterson in any given year.

It's hard not to like Portis even with all the stupid stuff he pulls, but he isn't even close to the top 5 runningbacks. Whens the last time you have seen him outrun anyone. He's not bad but dont get hurt hes not in top 5 list, maybe it will motivate him.

Not even close? come on. Riggins could never out run anyone himself and where would you rank him?

1. Peterson
2. Westbrook
3. Jones-Drew
4.Chris Johnson
5. Turner
Portis not there