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As has been the case with most NFL skill positions over the last 15-20 years, the role of the running back has changed drastically in the new millennium. Once upon a time, if a back carried the ball more than 350 times a season, was a decent receiving threat on simple screens and was OK as a blocker, that was enough as long as that back was productive with his carries.

Now, the paradigm has changed. Backs with over 300 carries in a season are rare. The opportunities come from total touches, and thus total yards from scrimmage is the real stat to look at.

Not only must today's elite backs be formidable as inside and outside runners, but they also must be able to flare out of the backfield and make their presence known as receivers from the slot and outside, running far more advanced route trees than were demanded a generation ago. And if you can't pass-block? Welcome to a limited role in a passing league.

NFL1000 running backs scout Mark Bullock has been watching every back through the 2017 season, and he's ready to pass judgment on them all.

He has rated the running backs with an overall performance score that grades the following traits:

Inside Running: 25 points. How well does the back use patience and power to wait for his blocks to open? How quickly and with how much burst does he exploit those gaps? Can he blow through defenders in a zone slide or a trap? How well is he able to break first contact to get to linebacker depth and beyond?



Outside Running: 25 points. How well does the back get to the edge and elude outside defenders with speed and agility? Does he bounce outside with quickness and authority when his inside gaps are taken? Can he get to the boundary and deal with linebackers and safeties who are as quick as he is?



Receiving: 20 points. Does this back exhibit the ability to run a full route tree, or is he just good on screens and swing passes? How are his hands? When he flares from the backfield to the slot or outside, is he a legitimate receiver or just a decoy? If you were to put him in an empty backfield, would he find other ways to succeed?



Blocking: 20 points. Blocking among skill position players is equal parts desire and technique. Does this back seem eager to block for others on passing downs, or does he disappear when he doesn't have the ball? Does he square up well against defenders to deliver consistent blocks?



Position Value: 7/10. A score that takes into account the importance of the position when comparing scores across other positions.

Note: In the case of a tie among players, NFL1000 running backs scout Mark Bullock ranked players by personal preference.

Make sure to check out all of the NFL1000 rankings from the 2017 season.