With quarterback out of the way, it’s time to turn our attention to running back, which may be the most talent-rich position in the NFL.

While the difference between the Nos. 1- and 10-ranked quarterbacks may be stark, the difference between the Nos. 1- and 10-ranked running backs is minuscule and often comes down to personal preference. This is why the “running backs don’t matter” ideology has gained traction in NFL circles recently. On top of passing being more effective and efficient than running the ball, the sheer volume of talented running backs exceeds the demand for competent running backs. Because the supply exceeds the demand, their value depreciates.

Because of that, the elite deserve to be celebrated — it takes a rare skill set to stand out in the talented crowd.

Where does the Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott rank among the league’s best? Let’s find out:

Note: The following is based on who I believe to be the best running backs entering 2020, not the best careers or who had the best season in 2019.

1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

2019 stats: 287 carries for 1,387 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and 15 TDs; 116 receptions for 1,005 yards (8.7 yards per reception) and four TDs.

The premier running back in football is the man who finished with the third-most single-season scrimmage yards all-time in 2019, as Christian McCaffrey was equally dominant as a ball carrier and receiver out of the backfield. McCaffrey has outstanding vision, identifying running lanes that other running backs may miss, and he possesses the quickness and agility to make multiple defenders miss. On top of his outstanding skills as a traditional ball carrier, McCaffrey also has receiver-like ability, making him a huge mismatch for opposing linebackers in coverage.

2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

2019 stats: 301 carries for 1,357 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and 12 TDs; 54 receptions for 420 yards (7.8 yards per reception) and two TDs.

Last season was the first in which Ezekiel Elliott started at least 15 games but didn’t top the NFL in rushing, as he finished 183 yards behind league leader Derrick Henry. Don’t get it twisted, though — Elliott was still excellent, finishing fourth in run success rate (56%) among running backs with at least 100 carries.

He started the season slowly, breaking just 2.1 tackles per game through the first six games, but came on strong down the stretch, breaking 4.5 tackles per game in the last 10 weeks, according to Pro Football Focus. He also led all running backs in first-down runs (77). Elliott doesn’t have the route-running ability of McCaffrey, but he is an effective check-down receiver who is also effective on screens and wheel routes.

3. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

2019 stats: 303 carries for 1,540 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 16 TDs; 18 receptions for 206 yards (11.4 yards per reception) and two TDs.

The scariest running back on this list is, without a doubt, Derrick Henry, whose 6-3, 247-pound frame and 4.5 speed make him a nightmare to tackle in the hole and in the open field. Give Henry a runway to build momentum and watch defenders bounce off the NFL’s version of Juggernaut. Eight-man boxes weren’t enough to slow down Henry, who led the league in rushing despite facing eight-man boxes at the fifth-highest rate (highest among every-week starters).

Like most elite talent, Henry raised his level of play in the most pressure-packed games, finishing the season with his best four-game stretch in which he averaged 164.25 rushing yards, 1.25 touchdowns and five avoided tackles from Week 17 through the AFC Championship Game, according to PFF.

He led the NFL in explosive runs (10-plus yards) with 42, according to PFF, and finished second in yards after contact per attempt (4.18). The only thing keeping Henry from ranking higher on this list is that he doesn’t impact the passing game much — just 18 receptions — and is mediocre in pass protection. He also had some issues with ball security, as his five fumbles were second most among running backs.

4. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

2019 stats: 298 carries for 1,494 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and eight TDs; 36 receptions for 278 yards (7.7 yards per reception).

After an impressive rookie campaign, Nick Chubb proved to be one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Browns. Chubb is an explosive running back who possesses impressive vision, elusiveness, power and contact balance. He finished second among all running backs in broken tackles on run plays (66), according to PFF.

While Chubb didn’t always receive the best blocking up front, he consistently made the most of his opportunities, finishing third among running backs in yards after contact per attempt (3.77), which means more than 60% of his per-carry average came after contact.

5. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

2019 stats: 250 carries for 1,135 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and 13 TDs; 53 receptions for 519 yards (9.8 yards per reception).

Cowboys fans should be very familiar with Dalvin Cook’s ability, as he finished with 183 totals yards and two touchdowns in a 28-24 Vikings victory at AT&T Stadium in Week 10. He had an unbelievable start to the season, finishing five of the first seven weeks with more than 100 rushing yards while averaging more than 5 yards per carry.

Cook is one of the best zone runners in the NFL, possessing elite one-cut ability to go with impressive vision. He wore down a bit as the season progressed but still proved to be an outstanding player. He can be an effective option out of the backfield but must improve his ball skills, as he finished with the most dropped passes among running backs (seven), according to PFF.

6. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

2019 stats: 217 carries for 1,003 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and six TDs; 52 receptions for 438 yards (8.4 yards per reception) and two TDs.

One year after lighting the world on fire as a rookie, an ankle injury seemed to hamper Saquon Barkley’s effectiveness for most of 2019. In Weeks 1-14, Barkley, who injured his ankle in Week 3, averaged just 61 rushing yards per game and a subpar 3.9 yards per carry. But he finally appeared to be fully healthy toward the end of the season, averaging 131 yards per game and 6.2 yards per carry. When healthy, Barkley is still one of the most creative and athletic playmakers in the league.

While he would be wise to be satisfied with doubles rather than always look for the home run, Barkley is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field in the run or pass games. He’s the rare athlete at running back who can layer jump cuts and spin moves in succession to elude defenders on his way downfield. He may not be the best yet, but it’d be hard to argue that he’s not the most exciting.

7. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

FILE - Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates his fourth touchdown against the Cowboys after scoring during the second half of play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (Vernon Bryant / Staff Photographer)

2019 stats: 236 carries for 1,084 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and 16 TDs; 49 receptions for 474 yards (9.7 yards per reception) and three TDs.

After years of being an efficient but underutilized part of the Packers’ offense, Aaron Jones in 2019 proved he belongs in a conversation with the top backs in the NFL. Jones proved to have quite the nose for the end zone, finishing tied for the league lead in total touchdowns (19).

His great vision is the No. 1 reason, as he does a great job of finding creases to gain positive yardage. Cowboys fans should remember his four-touchdown performance in Week 5 that led Green Bay to victory in Arlington.

8. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

2019 stats: 171 carries for 797 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and five TDs; 81 receptions for 533 yards (6.6 yards per reception) and one TD.

Alvin Kamara was limited in 2019 as an ankle injury forced him to miss multiple games while also appearing to hamper him throughout the season. That shouldn’t keep him from being one of the NFL’s top backs in 2020.

While the league is full of elusive ball carriers who break lots of tackles, Kamara may be the best. He possesses rare contact balance to absorb blows and stay upright while also showing the ability to elude multiple defenders in tight spaces.

Even during a down 2019, Kamara finished with the 24th-most carries (171) but ranked 12th in broken tackles on run plays (42). He is also one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the NFL, as his 81 receptions ranked third at the position.

9. Josh Jacobs, Oakland Raiders

2019 stats: 242 carries for 1,150 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and 7 TDs; 20 receptions for 166 yards (8.3 yards per reception).

Josh Jacobs proved to be a tackle-breaking machine in his rookie season, leading the NFL in broken tackles on run plays (69), according to PFF. His 4.8 yards per carry, which is impressive in its own right given his volume of carries, is made more impressive by the fact that 3.48 of those yards, on average, came after contact.

Jacobs is a smooth runner with likable elusiveness and impressive power to elude and run through tackle attempts. He is a decisive runner who loves to attack defenses downhill. He’s also effective in pass protection, giving up zero pressures last season, according to PFF.

10. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams

2019 stats: 223 carries for 857 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and 12 TDs; 31 receptions for 207 yards (6.7 yards per reception) and two TDs.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. After ranking second last season, Todd Gurley falls all the way to 10th entering 2020 after a down year. A lingering knee issue has appeared to sap his top-end speed and explosiveness, which limited the number of big plays he was able to create in 2019.

Still just 25 years old, Gurley remains a capable running back who can make an impact in both the run and pass games. Despite his down year, he finished with an impressive 14 touchdowns.

More position rankings

Find position rankings for QBs, RBs, WRs, DEs and LBs here.