On the heels of Taylor’s performance in Week 10, it is no longer a question as to whether he can win back his starting job. The debate now turns on which 6 running backs would most likely be selected for their respective teams in 2022’s Pro Bowl.
The “pro bowl roster” is a list of the players in the 2022 Pro Bowl. Jonathan Taylor and the 6 Running Backs are ranked at number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
With little over a week before Super Bowl 56, the NFL season is winding down. The Pro Bowl will be held on Sunday, February 6th, during the off-season. This year’s tournament will be unique in that the AFC and NFC teams will compete at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Expect a lot of skill on the field, regardless of the venue. Both teams have several outstanding running backs on their lineups. But, which ones should you keep an eye on? Here’s how each of the running backs chosen for the Pro Bowl in 2022 compares.
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook in action against the Green Bay Packers | David Berding/Getty Images The Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills | Joshua Bessex/Getty Images
6. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Najee Harris (replacing Joe Mixon)
The show begins with Najee Harris. The rookie running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers was not selected to the Pro Bowl as an official selection. He does, however, act as a backup for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Mixon, who will play in the Super Bowl.
On 307 carries, Harris rushed for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns in his debut season. The Alabama product surpassed Franco Harris’ rookie running record with the Steelers (1,055 yards). He also has 74 catches for 467 yards and three touchdowns.
In his first year, the 23-year-old saw a lot of traffic. His arrival relieved some of the load on an aging Ben Roethlisberger. However, his productivity was limited by inconsistency on the offensive line. Despite this, the youngster demonstrated why he has the potential to be a fantastic player for many years to come.
5. Arizona Cardinals’ James Conner
What a 2021 story James Conner has been. During his last two seasons with the Steelers, he was plagued by ailments, and his output suffered as a result. Conner was signed as a free agent by the Arizona Cardinals, and he’s flourished in Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme.
In 15 games, the former Pittsburgh Panthers running back ran the ball 202 times for 752 yards and 15 touchdowns. Conner’s touchdown total was tied for second in the NFL with Damien Harris, behind only Jonathan Taylor. Arizona also found a way to incorporate him into the passing game. He hauled in 37 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns.
Conner’s powerful running style created an early and lasting impression. The Cardinals utilized him a lot in the red zone, which helped relieve some of the load on Kyler Murray in scoring situations. The selection to the Pro Bowl is well-deserved.
4. Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb continues to show why he is one of the NFL’s greatest running backs. One of the most punishing backs in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns’ standout is difficult to bring down one-on-one.
On 228 carries, Chubb rushed for 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns. He didn’t play much in the passing game since it’s not his strong suit. Still, behind a good Browns offensive line, he can establish his domination on the ground.
The fourth-year rushing back will be playing in his third straight Pro Bowl. Chubb might keep getting the nod year after year as long as he has those big men up front.
3. Minnesota Vikings’ Dalvin Cook
Although Dalvin Cook took a step back in 2021, there is no denying his ability as a player. The tailback for the Minnesota Vikings has set the tone for the attack. His energy is used by the whole unit.
On 249 carries, Cook carried for 1,159 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 34 receptions for 224 yards. Due to a shoulder injury, the Florida State product lost some time, but he performed when he was on the field.
In terms of counting metrics, some of the other names on this list performed better. The box score, on the other hand, does not convey the whole picture. Cook is unquestionably a top-five running back prospect right now. When he’s on the field, the Vikings’ offense operates much more smoothly. It’s no surprise that he was named to the Pro Bowl.
2. New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara
On a football field, there aren’t many athletes who can do what New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara can. Kamara is a versatile backfield player who can run inside or outside, catch the ball often, and even provide pass protection. With the ball in his hands, his outstanding mix of speed and athletic ability makes him a lethal player.
When he was on the field, those abilities were on show. Due to a knee injury, Kamara missed four games. He had 898 running yards, 439 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns at the conclusion of the season.
By Kamara’s standards, the 2021 season was a disappointment. The injuries had a role, but without Drew Brees and Michael Thomas, the Saints’ attack wasn’t nearly as successful. Teams were able to zero down on Kamara as a result of this.
1. Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor
The top slot is a certain conclusion. For the most of the 2021 season, Jonathan Taylor was an MVP candidate. He almost led the Indianapolis Colts to the NFL playoffs on his own.
Taylor rushed for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in all 17 games. A total of 40 catches for 360 yards and two touchdowns were contributed by the Wisconsin product. Taylor had the most running attempts (332), rushing yards, and touchdowns in the league.
Sure, Derrick Henry’s season-ending foot injury contributed to Taylor’s dominance in those categories for so long. That does not, however, invalidate his corpus of work. In 2021, the second-year running back swept the league, and no one will bet against him moving into the 2022 season.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
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