Ranking the top AFC North running backs in 2019

If you have talked to me in any depth about running backs, you probably know that I’m not very high on the position. In order for running backs to be successful, it takes a good scheme to get them the ball and at least five guys up front doing their job. Regardless, I’m going to attempt to break down my top starting running backs in the the AFC North:

4. James Conner, Steelers

It’s impossible not to like James Conner, and I would love to slot him higher on this list. Conner is a hard-nosed runner that excels between the tackles. He is underrated as a pass catcher and plays with an added fire in the redzone.

In 2019, I expect James Conner to do much of the same. Jaylen Samuels proved to be an added asset to the offense last season, and the Steelers spent a 4th round pick on Kentucky workhorse, Benny Snell Jr. this year. Even with these acquisitions, Conner is coming off a Pro Bowl season and should be the feature back for the Steelers. However, with a crowded group of very good AFC North running backs, Conner sees his name as just 4th on the list.

3. Joe Mixon, Bengals

Joe Mixon was once talked about as being a 1st round pick, but  off-the-field concerns dropped him to the 48th overall pick in 2017. Mixon possesses the skills set to be one of the best backs in the league, but he tends to get overlooked because he is on a bad team.

Surprisingly, Joe Mixon is still just 22 years old, and has a very bright future ahead of him. Coming off a season with nearly 1,200 rushing yards, on 4.9 yards per carry and 8 touchdowns, the future looks bright for the young running back.

2. Mark Ingram, Ravens

We have come to know Mark Ingram as a battering ram who could tear it up between the tackles in New Orleans. Though he played second fiddle to Alvin Kamara last season, Ingram still has the makings of an every-down running back.

Ingram has averaged close to five yards per carry over the past three seasons. Though the Saints have a fantastic offense, Ingram should be even better with the Ravens. We’ve seen players like Gus Edwards and Kennith Dixon have success with quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm. Ingram is in the perfect role for him. I expect Baltimore to have one of the best rushing attacks in 2019.

1. Nick Chubb

I had a fringe first round grade on Nick Chubb coming out of Georgia in 2017. Though he started just 9 games in his rookie year for Cleveland, Chubb exploded with with nearly 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry.

With added weapons to the Browns offense, Chubb should benefit even more in 2019. I think there is a good chance Nick Chubb could be considered one of the very best running backs in the league soon.