NFL Power Rankings 2020: Ranking every starting running back

30. Jordan Howard, Miami Dolphins

Howard entered the NFL as a lowly fifth-round pick with plenty to prove. The Chicago Bears initially believed they’d found their running back of the future when Howard took over in 2016. As a rookie, he rushed for 1,313 yards on 5.2 yards per attempt. In his second season, Howard rushed for 1,122 yards and made the Pro Bowl.

Unfortunately, Howard flamed out in Chicago. In his third season, the Indiana product only ran for 935 yards and averaged 3.7 yards per attempt. He still produced over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, but the writing was on the wall. That offseason, Chicago traded Howard to Philadelphia for a conditional 2020 sixth-round draft pick.

Howard’s one season with the Eagles ended unceremoniously. He played a role in each of the team’s first nine games before he took a hit late in Philadelphia’s Week 9 matchup against the Bears. Howard told NBC Sports he thought it was just a stinger. However, the former Pro Bowler didn’t dress again for the Eagles until Week 16.

During his time off, Miles Sanders took over as Philadelphia’s starter, and Howard’s role on the offense disappeared.

This offseason, Howard signed a two-year deal worth $9.75 million with the Dolphins. He’ll compete with Matt Breida, who the Dolphins acquired for a fifth-round pick, for starting snaps. The workhorse running back can still grind down defenses, but Breida could steal Howard’s job before the season ends.