Chase Brown had a slow start to last year, largely due to the Joe Burrow injury that resulted in Jake Browning getting four starts.
The running back averaged just 2.46 yards per carry through Week 5, but then turned it around and averaged 5.14 yards per carry after Joe Flacco took over for Browning and then Burrow returned to the field.
Still, that slow start has the quick running back’s stock dropping to the point that coaches, scouts, and executives do not consider him to be among the top ten backs
in the NFL, according to a survey conducted by ESPN.
In his article on the survey, Jeremy Fowler shared the list of top-10 running backs and explained how it came together:
Voters gave their own top 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on the number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen as well as ESPN Research. More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed contributed to placements.
Here’s the list:
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
- James Cook III, Buffalo Bills
- De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
- Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs
- Breece Hall, New York Jets
It’s easy to see why Brown would be left out of the top seven. And Walker is coming off a Super Bowl MVP performance. But Brown could arguably be better than Hall.
Now here’s the interesting part: Brown wasn’t even included among the honorable mentions, who were Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams), and Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns).
Brown was, however, mentioned among those who also received votes, along with D’Andre Swift, Javonte Williams, Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, Travis Etienne Jr., and Alvin Kamara.
