As the start of the 2024 NFL season approaches, content creators continue to release rankings for various football-related topics, even though the offseason is still ongoing.
The latest ranking, compiled by ESPN’s senior NFL national reporter Jeremy Fowler, holds significant weight. Fowler surveyed league executives, coaches, and scouts to determine the top 10 players at multiple positions in the NFL, starting with running backs.
Unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins did not fare well in this list. Raheem Mostert, who rushed for 1,012 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2023, did not make it into the top 10. In fact, he wasn’t even in the top 20, ranking as
Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) is the 21st name listed here. In 2023 he finished:
1st in rushing TD (18)
4th in success rate (55%)
t-4th in first downs (59)
6th in YPC (4.8)
6th in yards after initial contact (3.35)
7th in missed tackles forced (54) https://t.co/Nv2kxVZpTi— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) July 8, 2024
the 21st best running back in the NFL, just behind Tony Pollard and James Conner.
Certainly! Here’s the paraphrased version:
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Hold on… things might get even worse.
De’Von Achane, Miami’s dynamic rookie who amassed 800 rushing yards on just 103 carries (an impressive 7.8 yards per carry) and scored 8 touchdowns in 2023, didn’t even make it into the list of 25 players receiving votes.
Although ESPN’s complete article is behind a paywall, I won’t reveal their entire list. However, some players who did receive votes and are therefore in the top 25 include Austin Ekeler, Kyren Williams, Najee Harris, and James Cook.
One could argue that the shared success of Mostert and Achane impacted their rankings negatively, as many of the backs ranked higher are the primary ball-carriers for their teams (or former teams).
Ultimately, while rankings can be entertaining, what truly matters is performance on the field and winning games. Miami will continue to rely on both Mostert and Achane in 2024 to secure those victories.