NFL Free Agency 2021: Ranking the 10 best running backs available

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 24: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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James Conner (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

8. James Conner (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The knock on the 2017 third-round pick from Pittsburgh has been his health. James Conner has been an inspirational story but can’t seem to stay on the field on a consistent basis. Yes, he enjoyed a Pro Bowl year in 2018 in which he totaled 1,470 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 13 contests. But he has missed a total of 14 regular-season contests in four seasons.

It’s also worth noting that the Steelers have greatly de-emphasized the run in recent years and that plays a factor in the lack of production as well. Conner could go elsewhere and likely become an effective player. But the failure to stay healthy is certainly an issue and could greatly affect his market.

7. Marlon Mack (Indianapolis Colts)

He was coming off a career year in 2019 and he figured to team with rookie Jonathan Taylor to give Frank Reich’s team a tremendous 1-2 punch out of the backfield. But he suffered an Achilles’ injury in the season-opening loss at Jacksonville and was done for the year. Marlon Mack put up solid numbers in both his second and third season with the Colts.

He combined for 2,184 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns from 2018-19. Via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the 2017 fourth-round pick from South Florida is on the mend and will test free agency, not a surprise considering Taylor’s late-season surge. Mack has shown he can carry a heavy workload, totaling 247 carries in 14 games in 2019.

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