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Ranking the top 32 NFL running backs for the 2022 season

By Sayre Bedinger

Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL 2022
NFL 2022 – Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

12. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2021 stats:

  • 1,266 yards from scrimmage
  • 10 total touchdowns
  • 69 receptions

Believe it or not, only two running backs have more receptions since 2019 than Leonard Fournette.

The Buccaneers and specifically Tom Brady ask for and expect a lot out of Fournette, but I think he understood that when he signed up to play for this team back in 2020.

The former fourth overall pick out of LSU averaged a career-best 4.5 yards per carry last season for the Buccaneers and matched his career-high with 10 total touchdowns.

The Buccaneers obviously brought him back for a third season with the team and they did so after saying goodbye to Ronald Jones, the former second-round pick out of USC.

Fournette will still split plenty of time with Giovani Bernard as well as rookie Rachaad White coming in this year, but I think as an all-around back, he’s been very good for the Buccaneers who have needed him to step up in some big spots.

He was instrumental in their Super Bowl run a couple of years ago and they will lean on him again this year as they attempt to take back their crown as the NFL’s best in 2022.

Fournette may not have as many 80-yard runs as he did when he was with the Jaguars, but that big-play ability is still in him as well.

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