CHICAGO

Really?  Matt Eberflus is the betting favorite for NFL Coach of the Year. Ahead of Robert Saleh. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

The arrival of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has raised expectations in Chicago, and the expectations are particularly high for head coach Matt Eberflus.

Eberflus is the betting favorite to be named the NFL’s Coach of the Year for the 2024 season. His odds to win the award are +900 at DraftKings.com.

Through two seasons as the Bears’ head coach, Eberflus has a record of just 10-24, but Year Three presents him with a big opportunity to prove that he’s been building a team that is ready for a talented young quarterback to step in and make an immediate impact. If Eberflus guides the Bears to the playoffs in Year Three, the Coach of the Year award could be his.

If Eberflus doesn’t guide the Bears to the playoffs in Year Three, he probably won’t get a Year Four.

Next in the Coach of the Year odds are Jets coach Robert Saleh and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, both at +1100. Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s odds are +1200 while Falcons coach Raheem Morris and Texans coach Demeco Ryans are both at +1300. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon and Lions coach Dan Campbell are next at +1500.

Here are more odds on leaders from more outlets:

Player                           DrKing   FanDuel       BetMGM         Caesars           bet365

Jim Harbaugh              +900     +1400 🔥      +1000               +700              +600 ❄️

Matt Eberflus               +900    +1000              +900                +1000            +1200 🔥

Robert Saleh                +1100 ❄️+2000 🔥  +1800                +1400            +1400

DeMeco Ryans           +1100     +1400          +1400               +1000 ❄️      +1200

Matt LaFleur                +1200       +1600 🔥  +1400               +1000             +900 ❄️

Raheem Morris           +1300 🔥+1000         +1000              +1200              +1200

Jonathan Gannon       +1500      +1400 ❄️    +1600                +1600            +2500 🔥

Dan Campbell              +1500 ❄️ +2500       +2200                +2500            +2500

Shane Steichen          +1600 🔥+1400         +1400                +1500            +1400

Dave Canales                +1800           +1800  +2000 🔥       +1800                 +1800

We get it that guys like Andy Reid, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay don’t win this award now, they are too established to have the kind of turn around season the voters like.

Still, Ryans, Campbell and Steichen are the only ones from this list of favorites who were in the playoffs last year.

Last year’s winner, Kevin Stefanski, has the longest odds in 2024, down near Andy Reid!

Here most of them are at VegasInsider.com (where is Kyle Shanahan? Eberflus?)

Matt Lafleur +900

Jim Harbaugh +1000

Raheem Morris +1000

Matt Lafleur +1400

Shane Steichen +1400

DeMeco Ryans +1400

Jonathan Gannon +1600

Robert Saleh +1800

Brian Callahan +1800

Mike Macdonald +2000

Dave Canales +2000

Mike McDaniel +2000

Dan Quinn +2000

Jerod Mayo +2200

Dan Cambell +2200

Sean McVay +2500

Antonio Pierce +2500

Mike Tomlin +2500

Sean Payton +2500

Kevin O’Connell +2500

Zac Taylor +3000

Doug Pederson +3000

Sean McDermott +4000

Nick Sirianni +4000

Brian Daboll +4000

Mike McCarthy +5000

John Hardbaugh +5000

Todd Bowles +6600

Kevin Stefanski +6600

Dennis Allen +6600

Andy Reid +6600

DETROIT

The Lions are thinking about an extension for DT ALIM McNEILL.  This from Adam LaRose of ProFootballRumors.com:

The 2024 Lions offseason has been defined in large part by big-ticket extensions handed out on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell all signed deals which will keep them in Detroit for the foreseeable future.

Several other candidates for extensions remain, though. Among those is Alim McNeill, who has developed into a mainstay along the Lions’ defensive line (a unit which added D.J. Reader in free agency). The 24-year-old is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract, making him eligible for a new deal. The degree to which he has progressed so far likely has him on the team’s extension radar, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic writes (subscription required).

McNeill’s play in 2024 will go a long way in determining his value on a new Lions pact, and Pouncy adds Detroit’s plans with other pending free agents (such as left tackle Taylor Decker and cornerback Carlton Davis) will likely depend on how things play out with McNeill. The latter served in a rotational capacity during his rookie campaign, but in the two years since then he has developed into a notable pass-rushing presence from the interior.

The NC State alum recorded five sacks and 13 pressures last season despite being limited to 13 contests by an MCL injury. McNeill returned in time for the playoffs, adding a sack and three QB hits as the Lions progressed to the NFC title game. Another productive campaign in 2024 – a year in which the Lions expect to take a step forward in the front seven – would put him line to join the growing list of young defensive tackles who have secured notable paydays on their second contracts. A quartet of players in that regard (Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence, Daron Payne) inked deals averaging between $22.5MM and $24MM per year last offseason.

Christian Wilkins, Justin Madubuike and Derrick Brown landed similar extensions of their own this spring, providing McNeill and the Lions with plenty of comparable pacts should they negotiate one. However, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press notes that no deal is considered imminent at this time. Team and player may elect to wait until next offseason to evaluate the situation and engage in talks on what could be a very lucrative second deal.

“I’m just working,” McNeill said (via Birkett) when asked about a potential extension. “I’m head down, whatever happens, happens. I’m just – I still have to play good to set myself up to even get any of that, so I’m [not] worried about that right now.”

Despite the investments made on offense via the Goff, St. Brown and Sewell extensions, the Lions are currently on track to have considerable cap flexibility next offseason. A large portion of it could be needed to keep McNeill in the fold if he delivers a productive season in 2024 and positions himself to become one of the league’s top earners at the defensive tackle spot.

MINNESOTA

A car crash over the weekend claimed the life of Vikings rookie CB KHYREE JACKSON (and two of his high school teammates).  It happened at 3:14 in the morning, but the impetus for the accident appears to be another vehicle.  ESPN.com:

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two former college football players were killed in a car crash overnight, according to Maryland State Police. Jackson was 24.

Jackson died after a three-car crash that occurred at 3:14 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County, according to police. Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. — the two former players who were high school teammates of Jackson’s — were also killed in the crash, police said.

Hazel, 23, played at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton, 24, played at Florida State and Penn State.

Police said Hazel was driving a Dodge Charger with Jackson in the passenger seat when their car was struck by an Infiniti Q50 attempting to change lanes at a high speed. The Charger left the road and struck multiple tree stumps.

According to police, Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton was transported to a hospital before being pronounced dead by hospital personnel.

Neither the driver of the Infiniti Q50 nor her two passengers or the driver of the third vehicle was injured. Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash, police said, adding that charges are pending.

Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of this year’s draft and had been considered a contender to start at cornerback.

“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

Jackson played his final season of college football at Oregon, and Ducks coach Dan Lanning was among those paying tribute to Jackson on social media.

Maryland and Charlotte coach Biff Poggi both mourned Hazel’s death on social media, as did Penn State for Lytton.

Jackson was an all-Pac-12 first-team selection for Oregon in 2023. Before joining the Ducks, he played two seasons at Alabama under coach Nick Saban.

“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

Jackson became an instant favorite among Vikings fans after he described his long journey from high school to the NFL draft. Speaking to Minnesota reporters after the draft, he said he was a non-qualifier after graduating from Wise High School in Maryland in 2017. He spent time at three junior colleges while taking two seasons away from the game before landing at Alabama in 2021.

During that interim, he said, he worked in the deli at a Harris Teeter grocery store and at one point won an award for employee of the month. “I told my mom and one point in time, ‘I guess I’m about to be working at a grocery store,'” Jackson said. Later he gave serious thought to joining the NBA 2K league.

“When I ended up leaving my first junior college,” he said, “I was home for about six months, but I told my friends that I was still in school. I stayed at my house for six straight months and nobody knew. It was kind of eating away at me, and then I finally just eventually told my friends. That moment really told me, like, man, if I was embarrassed to even tell them, I might want to get out and try to do it again instead of sitting here and sulking.”

Of his journey to Power 5 football and eventually the NFL, Jackson said he had no regrets.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world, though,” he said. “I feel like it taught me a lot of perseverance. It helped turn me into the man that I am today. I feel like I don’t take no shortcuts. I take everything for what it is and don’t really question too many things. I feel like that mentality came from juco and being at the bottom and seeing what it’s like to not have anything to having everything going to some of the top programs.”

This from Mike Florio:

The deaths of Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton have a specific and significant impact on Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The three men attended the school, playing for the football team that won a state championship in 2016.

“I love them, and I wish I could say it to them one more time,” assistant coach Steve Rapp told WUSA. “[T]he legacy of those guys is going to live on forever.”

All three played college football at the Division I level. Lytton was planning to play for Bowie State this season.

We continue to extend our condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy, including the members of the Wise High School community.

PHILADELPHIA

Jeffrey Lurie may not be the sole owner of the Eagles for long.  Jeff Kerr of CBSSports.com:

Jeffrey Lurie is considering selling a minority stake in the Philadelphia Eagles, per a report by Bloomberg News. However, there’s one condition: The buyer won’t have an opportunity toward owning a controlling stake of the team.

Basically, the Lurie family will still be the majority owners of the Eagles — no matter who joins the ownership group.

The Eagles will be valued at $7.5 billion for this move, according to Bloomberg, significantly more than the $194 million Lurie spent when he purchased the Eagles in 1994. Lurie, 72, oversees the franchise, but has been in a transition process of giving that title to his son, Julian. Julian Lurie currently holds the title of business and football operations strategy with the team.

The report comes a month after NFL owners pushed back a vote to allow private equity firms to purchase stakes in franchises. There has already been one interested buyer who has a deep connection to the city, Philadelphia’s own Rob McElhenney.

McElhenney posted on social media for Lurie to “check his DMs.” A co-owner of Wrexham Football Club in England with Ryan Reynolds, McElhenney is no stranger to the ownership scene.

McElhenney is also part of an investor group that bought a 24% equity stake in the Alpine F1 Team last season. Adding a minority stake in the Eagles would be another investment in ownership.

The Eagles were valued at $5.95 billion in 2023, a 27% increase over the previous year. Per Forbes, the Eagles are the ninth-most-valuable franchise in the NFL.

WASHINGTON

TE ZACH ERTZ is playing a key role with the Commanders.  Logan Mullen of 106.7 The Fan:

It hasn’t taken long for Zach Ertz to ingratiate himself with his new teammates.

The veteran tight end joined the Commanders on a one-year deal this offseason, marking his return to the NFC East. Ertz had an impressive nine-year run in Philadelphia, winning a Super Bowl and earning a trio of Pro Bowl nods with the Eagles. He was traded to the Cardinals during the 2021 season, and in Arizona struggled to stay healthy and play at a high level.

While his best days likely are behind him, the opportunity with Washington affords Ertz the chance to turn the page on his time in Arizona and attempt to return to being a mainstay in an offense. Time will tell if that comes to pass, but fellow Washington tight end Cole Turner told The Sports Junkies on Thursday that Ertz has made a strong impression so far.

“Zach and (new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury) have been together for years before. That’s the first thing about Zack that he’s seen what Kliff expects from the offense, and he’s not a selfish guy, he wants to help everyone out. It’s been really fun to play with him,” Turner said. “Me and Zach have become friends in just a few months of knowing each other, he’s a very personable guy and a guy that goes out of his way and wants to see the team win.

“It’s been great having him around – not just for the tight ends, but for everyone. He’s one of the leaders on the team, for sure.”

Turner and John Bates are the only holdovers on the roster at tight end from last season, meaning Ertz will have plenty of chances to plant a flag on a role. Especially with a rookie quarterback, Ertz fulfilling the trusty veteran target gig and being a reliable option for Jayden Daniels could be a boon for the Commanders offense.

ARIZONA

So who is RB JAMES CONNER talking about? Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Cardinals made major changes off the field before the 2022 season when they hired General Manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon and they have done a lot of roster alterations over their first 18 months or so on the job.

One key veteran player that has remained on hand thinks those moves have the team heading in the right directions. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show last month, running back James Conner said that the Cardinals had too many players who “weren’t putting the team before themselves” in the past and that the current regime has done a good job of making sure those people are no longer in the organization.

“We cleansed the roster,” Conner said. “Guys who weren’t serious about football, guys who were not in it for the right reasons, guys who don’t put the team first — we slowly weeded that stuff out. That’s what it takes. First we cleanse and then now we’re ready to attack.”

Conner is in the last year of his current contract and said early in the offseason that he’d like to remain in Arizona, so the coming months should show whether the Cardinals believe he should continue to be part of what they’re building in the desert.

Jess Root of YahooSports.com takes roll:

Over the last couple of offseasons, notable players like DeAndre Hopkins, Isaiah Simmons and Marco Wilson have been let go. They have gone through scores of lesser-known players as well, and that is probably more what Conner is referring to.

But it would appear that the culture Gannon wants has been established. With that intact and a more talented roster entering this season than last, they hope to take another big step in their on-field performance and results.

TE Zach Ertz? WR Christian Kirk?  RB Eno Benjamin? WR Rondale Moore? CB Byron Murphy? LB Jordan Hicks?

SAN FRANCISCO

Today’s signal from WR BRANDON AIYUK points to Washington, not San Francisco.  Grey Papke of Larry Brown Sports:

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk keeps dropping hints that he remains dissatisfied with his contract negotiations and might want to go elsewhere.

Aiyuk on Sunday posted a screenshot of himself watching Washington Commanders practice film from a June minicamp. Notably, Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, a college teammate of Aiyuk’s, was front and center on screen.

Perhaps this is nothing, but Aiyuk’s activity lately will inevitably make it look like this is a significant deal. Notably, Aiyuk was talking with Daniels when he suggested the 49ers did not want him back, and that helped spark some Commanders-themed trade rumors. This will probably do the same.

Aiyuk and the 49ers have been locked in a contractual standoff for the entire offseason. Notably, the two sides are still in contact, and Aiyuk has made no move toward demanding a trade. As long as that remains the case, the wide receiver is not going anywhere, but this might be an attempt to exert some pressure on the Niners as talks remain slow.

CINCINNATI

QB JOE BURROW doesn’t need extra motivation, but, as is his custom, he’s found it.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has spent more time in front of a piano than under center since hurting his wrist during the 2023 season and he thinks his time out of the spotlight has had an impact on how he’s viewed in the NFL.

During an appearance on Pardon My Take, Burrow was asked about how he stacks up with other top quarterbacks in the league. Burrow said “time will tell” before the discussion moved into whether people have forgotten how good he is because of how much time he missed last year.

Burrow agreed with that assessment and said that he’s planning to offer a strong reminder about what he can do come the fall.

“I believe that,” Burrow said. “That’s what happens when you get hurt, though. You don’t play football, people forget about you. . . . If you’re not out there and people aren’t watching you, then there’s nothing to talk about. I’m going to give people something to talk about this year. I’m excited about it.”

Injuries have been the only thing to really slow Burrow down since he entered the NFL, which is why he’s prioritizing availability heading into the 2024 season.

THIS AND THAT

MOST FAMOUS FAN

Dov Klieman has a list of the “Most Famous Fan” of each NFL team.

Arizona Cardinals – Blake Shelton

Atlanta Falcons – Usher

Baltimore Ravens – Stacy Kiebler

Buffalo Bills – Chad Michael Murray

Carolina Panthers – Steph Curry

Chicago Bears – Jeff Garlin

Cincinnati Bengals – George Clooney

Cleveland Browns – Stipe Miocic

Dallas Cowboys – Post Malone

Denver Broncos – Amy Adams

Detroit Lions – Eminem

Green Bay Packers – Justin Timberlake

Houston Texans – Dennis Quaid

Indianapolis Colts – Rob Lowe

Jacksonville Jaguars – Dennis Trucks

Kansas City Chiefs – Taylor Swift

Las Vegas Raiders – Guy Fieri

Los Angeles Chargers – Mario Lopez

Los Angeles Rams – Bryan Cranston

Miami Dolphins – Johnny Depp

Minnesota Vikings – Josh Duhamel

New England Patriots – Jon Bon Jovi

New Orleans Saints – Harry Connick, Jr.

New York Giants – Hugh Jackman

New York Jets – Adam Sandler

Philadelphia Eagles – Bradley Cooper

Pittsburgh Steelers – Bret Michaels

San Francisco 49ers – Jeremy Renner

Seattle Seahawks – Mike McCready

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dick Vitale

Tennessee Titans – Tim McGraw

Washington Commanders – Kevin Durant

The DB confesses to not recognizing six of the 32 “famous” fans.

Anthony Adame of MSN.com has some thoughts on Kleiman’s list:

NFL insider Dov Kleiman recently posted a list of the NFL’s biggest celebrity fans by team—32 celebrities for 32 teams—and we’re here to break down which franchise’s Q rating goes up when their most famous fan goes on camera, which one has fans wondering “Who is that?”, and which famous fans aren’t really even fans.

Kleiman did a bang up job with the list, though there were some enormous oversights, most notable of which was choosing Bret Michaels as the most famous fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers when global icon Snoop Dogg has been a vocal superfan of the Black and Gold since 1975.

Clearly, not every famous NFL fan was created equal, and we’ve divided Kleiman’s list up into three tiers:

Elite — Longtime fans who we’ve seen at games for a long period of time and/or have shown their devotion in significant ways in a short period of time, like Swift.

Famous But Not Really a Fan — Wearing a jersey once or showing up in the owner’s suite at the Super Bowl doesn’t make you a real fan. Famous people, take note.

Who? — They might be fans, but most people won’t know who they are … even if we do (here’s looking at you, Chad Michael Murray and Jeff Garlin).

Elite: Usher (Atlanta Falcons), Steph Curry (Carolina Panthers), Eminem (Detroit Lions), Rob Lowe (Indianapolis Colts), Taylor Swift (Kansas City Chiefs), Josh Duhamel (Minnesota Vikings), Jon Bon Jovi (New England Patriots), Harry Connick Jr. (New Orleans Saints), Adam Sandler (New York Jets), Bradley Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles), Dick Vitale (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Kevin Durant (Washington Commanders)

Famous But Not Really a Fan: Blake Shelton (Arizona Cardinals), George Clooney (Cincinnati Bengals), Amy Adams (Denver Broncos), Justin Timberlake (Green Bay Packers), Dennis Quaid (Houston Texans), Guy Fieri (Las Vegas Raiders), Mario Lopez (Los Angeles Chargers), Bryan Cranston (Los Angeles Rams), Johnny Depp (Miami Dolphins), Hugh Jackman (New York Giants), Bret Michaels (Pittsburgh Steelers), Jeremy Renner (San Francisco 49ers), Tim McGraw (Tennessee Titans)

Who?: Stacy Kiebler (Baltimore Ravens), Chad Michael Murray (Buffalo Bills), Jeff Garlin (Chicago Bears), Stipe Miocic (Cleveland Browns), Derek Trucks (Jacksonville Jaguars), Mike McCready (Seattle Seahawks)

If this were a ranking, Eminem and his love for the Detroit Lions would be No. 1, followed by actor/director Bradley Cooper’s undying devotion to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 2, then Swift at No. 3.

We are happy to see that the six people under “Who?” are the six the DB did not recognize.

PredominentlyOrange.com recently did a list of the 13 top celebrity fans of the Broncos and Kiebler didn’t even make that list.  That said, their choice for top Broncos celebrity fan is pretty clearly in the DB’s mind close to the number one fan of another team.

1. Tim Allen, actor

For my money, the most recognizable fan in Broncos Country is actor Tim Allen. Tim Allen is freaking Buzz Lightyear. He’s Santa Claus. He’s Tim “The Toolman” Taylor. He’s Mike Baxter.

There are very few people who are unfamiliar with the work Tim Allen has done through the years. Although he’s played the role of both a Detroit Lions fan and a Denver Broncos fan, it seems like Tim Allen is most connected to his Denver Broncos fandom.

They are constantly being referenced in his show Last Man Standing and while there is some question over whether Mr. Allen is still a Lions fan or a fan of the Denver Broncos, I think it’s probably safe to say he has multiple rooting interests.

Allen was born in Denver, but relocated to the state of Michigan in his youth. For now, I think it’s safe to claim him as at least a part-time member of Broncos Country, and if that’s the case, he’s easily one of the most famous.

Having seen Allen smoking outside the Pontiac Silverdome at halftime at just a random game, the DB is sure that Allen’s number one team is the Lions.

BROADCAST NEWS

NFL Media continues to shutter some of its popular broadcasts, podcasts and broadcasters.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on the demise of the “Around The NFL” podcast:

In many respects, the NFL has shifted from a sports business to a media empire. However, the media enterprise owned and operated by the NFL continues to make some bizarre moves.

The latest comes from the shuttering of the popular Around the NFL podcast. Both the decision to end it and the clunky manner in which the move was handled become par for the new Goofy Golf course on which NFL Media has been playing of late.

The podcast went dark without warning in May. After getting multiple questions from PFT readers and PFT Live viewers in June, we asked NFL Media’s spokesperson about the show. Multiple times. There was never a response — not even an acknowledgement of the question.

On Sunday, the league announced (in a weird sort of way) that Around the NFL is no more. One of the three hosts, Gregg Rosenthal, will move to a different show. The other two, Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler, are leaving NFL Media.

Some fans of the show aren’t reacting well. And for good reason. When most shows end, there’s an announcement. A farewell episode. Closure.

For Around the NFL, it was here one day, gone the next, and never to return. With no explanation other than, “Hey, here’s a brand-new show! Please pay no attention to the fact that two loyal, long-term employees aren’t here anymore!”

While it’s not surprising in light of other non-people-friendly moves the “football is family” NFL has made this year, this one carried with it weeks of uncertainty, confusion, and silence until one of the slowest weekends of the year, when the news was leaked to one specific outlet and amplified by the NFL Media X account.

Although the NFL does a great job of producing and presenting football games, it’s not nearly as good at running a media operation. Unless, of course, the goal is to run it into the ground. If that’s the objective, great job.

RANKING THE RUNNING BACKS

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com has a panel that gives us the top 10 running backs for 2024:

With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, it is again time for the league’s true insiders to make their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This is the fifth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players have moved up or fallen off last year’s lists.

A reminder of the rankings process: Voters give us their best 10 players at a position, then we compile the results and rank candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film-study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, nearly 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed help us break any ties.

Each section includes quotes and nuggets from the voters on every ranked player — even the honorable mentions. The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2024. This is not a five-year projection or a career achievement award. Who are the best players today?

We will roll out a position per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (July 8), defensive tackles (July 9), edge rushers (July 10), safeties (July 11), tight ends (July 12), interior offensive linemen (July 13), offensive tackles (July 14), quarterbacks (July 15), off-ball linebackers (July 16), wide receivers (July 17), cornerbacks (July 18).

The demise of the running backs was greatly — OK, mildly — exaggerated.

The glory days of the 350-carry back are mostly gone, but the position has experienced a major infusion of young talent.

Just look at the past two drafts, which produced three of the top eight recipients in this year’s top-10 ranking. All three players are 23 or younger.

None are close to unseating this year’s No. 1, who garnered more votes than just about any player at any position. But they are eager to try — and might just have the skill sets to do it.

Overall, teams leaned on the running game slightly less in 2023. Thirteen teams surpassed 2,000 yards on the ground, compared to 18 in 2022.

But that didn’t discount the great performances, and free agency showed us that running the ball still pays. Six different backs earned deals worth between $16 and $48 million. Several are on this list … and in new uniforms. Let’s look at some of the game’s top ball carriers as ranked by execs, coaches and scouts around the NFL.

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4

Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 2

Health and a killer offense have elevated McCaffrey to his rightful place as the best tailback and a top player in all of football.

McCaffrey garnered more than 80% of the first-place votes.

He was dominant in every category. He consistently got positive yards before contact (888) and after contact (571), ranking first and second in those respective areas. The 49ers got 5.6 yards per carry when giving McCaffrey the ball on first downs. Inside the tackles, McCaffrey averaged 4.9 yards per carry, fourth among running backs.

And that’s before considering his elite receiving ability, catching 67 passes for 564 yards last season.

“He does everything exceptionally,” a veteran NFL offensive coach who has coached him said. “Explosiveness, vision, technique, versatility, great teammate, hardest worker, dedicated in the offseason. The only thing holding him back was when he was hurt. But he’s exactly how you would draw up a football player.”

McCaffrey has three seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 700 receiving yards, trailing only Marshall Faulk (4) in NFL history.

He was the 2023 leader in explosive plays (10-yard runs and 20-yard receptions).

“San Francisco made one of the best trades of the decade when they got him [in 2022],” a player-personnel executive said. “He’s perfect for what they do.”

2. Breece Hall, New York Jets

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Unranked

Age: 23 | Last year’s ranking: Honorable mention

Hall is considered the game’s best running back under the age of 25, with big upside on Year 3 projections.

He looked brilliant as a rookie before tearing his ACL, then looked great again late in 2023 with 357 yards and three touchdowns over weeks 16-18 despite a nonexistent passing game around him.

“Natural rusher with acceleration through the hole,” a high-ranking NFL official said. “He’s got power and can create his own shot by making someone miss.”

Hall averaged 4.3 yards per carry against a heavy box (eight or more defenders), which ranked fifth in the NFL.

Hall proved versatile with 76 catches for 591 yards along with his 994 rushing yards.

“Legit dual-threat, a glider with high-level change of direction and vision,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “Home run hitter with the ball in his hands. Can grind volume, create explosives at any moment.”

3. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked

Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 1

This one is complicated. Chubb has been the game’s best pure rusher when healthy. But his future is shrouded in uncertainty because of a severe knee injury suffered last season that required multiple surgeries.

Chubb is expected to return in 2024. What exactly the Browns are getting upon that return is tough to project.

Some took Chubb off their ballots altogether. Many others kept him in the top three.

“He would be No. 1 for me if healthy,” an AFC executive said. “Even though I’m not sure how he’s going to look, he deserves to be high.”

The surgeries repaired damage to the meniscus, MCL and ACL in his left knee, the same side that Chubb seriously injured at Georgia in 2015.

“Even if he’s lacking some explosion in the short term, he still has instincts and good feet,” an AFC personnel evaluator said. “Hopefully that shines through and he gets his power back. He’s such a good player.”

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Chubb has averaged 5.3 yards per rush, the third-highest mark by a running back in the Super Bowl era with a minimum of 500 carries, behind Bo Jackson and Jamaal Charles at 5.4.

4. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 10

Age: 27 | Last year’s ranking: 4

After years of toiling in the Giants’ grind-it-out offense, Barkley upgraded to Philly.

The possibilities have some around the league excited.

“He’s going to be a beast,” a veteran AFC scout who ranked him second said. “The weapons around him on the outside, dual-threat QB, shotgun runs, his versatility — it’s a perfect fit.”

A career reset like McCaffrey’s in San Francisco would be ideal for Barkley, whose production dipped to 962 yards on 247 carries (3.9 yards per carry) last season. Barkley battled ankle issues that sources said were worse than most knew. Many weeks it was a struggle for him to see the field.

The money still spoke, with Philly signing Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million deal in free agency.

Durability is a part of the Barkley conversation. He has missed at least three games in four of his six NFL seasons. But in the two seasons when he played 16 games, in 2018 and 2022, he totaled 3,678 yards and 25 touchdowns.

He makes life easier on quarterbacks, too. Daniel Jones’ touchdown-to-interception ratio was 2.3 with Barkley in his backfield, compared to 0.8 without him.

“Probably not as fast as he used to be,” an NFL offensive coach said. “He has the ability to make people miss in space, which is sometimes bad since you think you can bounce it and outrun people. But when he does get downhill, running in between tackles, he’s so strong naturally that he’s hard to tackle. He runs through arm tackles. Just has to decide to do it.”

5. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Unranked

Age: 25 | Last year’s ranking: 6

Taylor’s career has seen plenty of highs and lows, from a 2021 rushing title to a Year 3 plummet due in part to an anemic Colts offense around him to a lengthy contract dispute that pushed against last year’s trade deadline.

Late in 2023, armed with a new contract, Taylor pumped out 487 yards and six touchdowns over his final five games.

“Still explosive — last year he was beat up,” an AFC scout said. “The Colts eased him into things. But he’s probably the best combination of size and straight-line speed right now.”

The Colts’ run block win rate improved from 23rd to 14th year-over-year, and a healthy Taylor for a full season should improve that stock even more.

“Expecting a huge year from him,” an AFC executive said. “Still an impact player.”

6. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked

Age: 22 | Last year’s ranking: N/A

Robinson didn’t quite validate the hype as a rookie. His 976 rushing yards in 2023, which tied for 15th in the league, fell short of projections for the No. 8 pick in a run-heavy offense.

To be sure, Robinson’s usage — despite his obvious ability to shake defenders — was curious at times. Robinson got more than 15 carries in four of 17 games.

“The production is not all him — he’s a top-five talent at the position right now,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.

That’s why the Year 2 expectations are still massive.

Robinson led the league with 5.2 yards per carry against boxes of seven or more defenders. His 35 explosive plays ranked third for running backs.

“If he gets to the second or third level, he’s incredibly hard to tackle,” an NFL offensive coach said. “Deceptive speed once he gets loose. He reminds me of LeSean McCoy. Very elusive. Really hard to touch him.”

7. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Unranked

Age: 25 | Last year’s ranking: 3

The Packers are hoping for the return of 2022 Jacobs after signing him to a four-year, $48-million deal in March.

Jacobs looked like the game’s premier back that season on his way to 1,653 yards and a first-team All-Pro bid, becoming the first Raiders player since Marcus Allen to lead the league in rushing. Last season, the production was that of a volume grinder, with a career-low 3.5 yards per carry, though Las Vegas’ coaching change and quarterback carousel didn’t help.

But if you’re looking for a traditional, durable back, he’s still one of the best.

“Just a good all-around back,” an NFL offensive coach said. “Can run inside or outside zone. Breaks a lot of tackles at the point of contact. Rarely tackled by one guy. Not the fastest or biggest or strongest but just knows how to run the football and [be] very productive. And he’s very durable. Can get you a lot of carries and really punish you in the fourth quarter.”

8. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked

Age: 22 | Last year’s ranking: N/A

While Bijan Robinson was the top back in the 2023 draft, some scouts preferred Gibbs’ skill set and versatility.

That’s why Detroit selected him at No. 12, four picks behind Robinson, which didn’t shock some.

“Change of pace. Fast. Elusive. Versatile,” an AFC executive said. “Dynamic in the pass game. Not a typical North-South runner you love in a run-heavy offense, but he can break explosive plays at the snap of a finger, which is scary in our league.”

Despite the presence of power back David Montgomery, the Lions made sure Gibbs was heavily involved during his rookie season, with 234 touches (52 receptions) over 15 games. Gibbs rewarded that faith with 1,261 total yards and 11 touchdowns.

Gibbs averaged 5.4 yards per carry out of shotgun formations, which is the best among running backs. He also led the league when rushing to the right side (6.3).

9. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10

Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 5

Having more than 2,000 carries over eight years usually gets thirty-something backs out of here.

But Henry is still the king of yards after contact, leading the league with 619 last year. He hit 21.68 miles per hour on a long touchdown run at 247 pounds.

“He’s a warrior,” a veteran NFL coach said. “Just keeps himself in such good physical conditioning with offseason workouts. I don’t see him slowing down over the next two years. He’s a volume back with great size, breaks tackles, has deceptive speed and no one’s really catching him if he gets going. I don’t think he’s lost a step.”

Multiple people interviewed wonder about Henry’s fit in Baltimore — an I-formation back in a shotgun-heavy offense.

“It’s definitely going to be interesting,” an NFC scout said. “They will probably go with a little more pistol, which is like being underneath center, and he can get downhill.”

10. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10

Age: 25 | Last year’s ranking: Honorable mention

After missing his entire rookie year because of injury, Etienne became a top-10 back with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, 16 total touchdowns and nearly 100 receptions.

One stat from last season perfectly describes Etienne’s explosion — he hit a max of 19.62 miles per hour when crossing the line of scrimmage.

“One of the few three-down backs. Really good zone runner. Makes people miss in space,” an NFL coordinator said. “Decent catching the ball and in pass protection. No major flaws — just not great in short-yardage situations.”

Honorable mentions

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings: Jones finished the 2023 season with five consecutive 100-yard games through the regular season and playoffs. He lost a tight battle with Etienne for the 10th spot. “Green Bay’s offense was completely different when he was healthy,” an NFC defensive coach said. “He’s a difference-maker.”

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks: Walker had an impressive two-year start to his career with 1,955 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. “Good vision, quickness and acceleration,” an AFC executive said. “Can make people miss in the hole.”

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs leaned on Pacheco heavily in the playoffs last season, and he contributed with 81 carries for 313 yards and three touchdowns. “He’s a bowling ball, tough as s—, tough to bring down and faster than he looks,” an NFC scout said.

James Cook, Buffalo Bills: Cook ranked second behind McCaffrey in explosive plays with 40. “[He] runs outside zone well, putting foot in ground and getting up field,” an NFL offensive coach said. “Very productive year. Can catch out of the backfield.”

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints: Kamara has been a fixture in the top 10, ranking as high as No. 2 in 2021, but Kamara’s production has been less efficient in recent seasons. He has averaged 3.87 yards per carry since 2021, which is good enough for 830 yards per season. “He might have hit a wall a little bit,” an NFL running backs coach said. “He’s still a great all-purpose back and can run all the different schemes, has burst and contact. But the production hasn’t been there. Though I think [offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s] system will be really good for him.”

Joe Mixon, Houston Texans: The Bengal-turned-Texan produced his fourth career 1,000-yard season in 2023, including 31 explosive plays. “He’ll be good for the Texans’ offense — he’ll be a steady presence and can get tough yards on first and second down,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.

D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears: Swift revitalized his career in Philadelphia with 1,049 rushing yards and a Pro Bowl nod. “Had the soft label [in Detroit] but overcame that,” an NFL running backs coach said. “[He’s] really elusive in space, burst, really good speed. [He] does a nice job catching out of the backfield.”

Also receiving votes: Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams), James Conner (Arizona Cardinals), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins), Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers), David Montgomery (Detroit Lions), Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots), Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders)

Interesting.  Not a single vote for Buccaneers RB RACHAAD WHITE who rushed for 990 yards last year at age 24.