With James Conner about to enter his age-30 season, the Arizona Cardinals running back has still got the respect of the NFL community.
Executives, scouts and coaches polled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler put Conner outside the top 10 but among the honorable mentions for running backs entering the 2025 season.
It’s a step up from Conner landing in the “receiving votes” tier a year prior.
How does James Conner compare to other running backs?
While many think of Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry when it comes to the league’s top running backs, one NFL personnel evaluator believes Conner is an underrated player for a rising team.
He’s a load to bring down. Short strider with quick feet to slip tacklers, find slices of daylight. Good second-level burst. Runs behind his pads. Finisher. Underrated player.
Conner rushed for 1,094 yards on 236 carries, both of which were career highs, last season for Arizona. He also picked up 414 receiving yards on 47 catches.
Conner served as a valuable part of the Cardinals’ offense with his quick moves and second-chance efforts. Though the Cardinals have failed to make the postseason since 2021, the first season Conner was in town, the running back continues to be an offensive leader.
“(Conner) truly cares about the team,” head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters. “He puts himself behind the team. I would go to his actions on a daily basis — he does everything you want him to do the right way.”
How was Jeremy Fowler’s running back ranking determined?
Prior to the start of the season, votes are taken from NFL coaches, scouts and executives for Fowler to compile into a top 10 list for each position.
Here is who made the top 10:
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
- Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
- James Cook, Buffalo Bills
- Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Conner and the rest of the Cardinals report for training camp on July 22.
from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/uck9dVs
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