The second in our continuing series, The Best of.  Today we tap into the top 5 running backs in this year’s free agent class.

MIKE KAYE

The Best Of:  QB / RB

For an NFL offense, it’s very difficult to have a successful attack without some kind of running game.  Sure there are exceptions as the Colts and Cardinals have demonstrated in the past few years, but they’re much closer to the minority than the majority.  When teams know you’re one one dimensional it’s easier to game plan against you, no matter how good your QB may be.  Let’s take a look at the top free agency running backs.

Running Back

1. DeAngelo Williams/ Carolina Panthers
Possible Destinations: IND, ARI, NE, MIA, DEN

Williams is a huge talent who is coming off an injury and an extremely foolish new coaching staff. While it would be easy to say he joins his former coach in Denver to form a similar combo-back system with Knowshon Moreno that he had with Johnathan Stewart, I think Miami is a place he really can excel. It is a big market, with money and endorsements galore for a team that needs a guy to go over 1,000 yards a season in order to be a true winner.

2.  Joseph Addai/ Indianapolis Colts
Possible Destinations: OAK, IND, SF, CAR, DEN

Addai was underwhelming with the Colts as a starter so they brought in Donald Brown who has equaled his performance. I think Addai can do well in a run-happy offense which is what John Fox runs having taken his merits to Mile-High. Fox likes a two-back lineup and Addai is enough lightning to match Knoshown’s thunder. Also Addai will be significantly cheaper than Williams.

3.  Cedric Benson/ Cincinnati Bengals
Possible Destinations: CAR, IND, DEN, ARI, GBP, OAK

I think a lot of things are going to change in Cincy this summer and I think Benson is likely gone. Arizona likes power in their backs so Benson could find some playing time as a back for the Cards. At this point in his career, Benson can be a starter in a two-back system or 3^rd downer who is brought into play in the slot at times.

4.  Ronnie Brown/ Miami Dolphins
Possible Destinations: PHI, MIA, NE, SEA, SF

Brown is at best a very good backup on a very quick offensive team. Enter the Eagles, who need a backup for Lesean McCoy if Jerome Harrison leaves in Free Agency. Brown can run the wild-cat offense and is a good enough receiver out of the backfield that he will prosper in Andy Reid’s scheme.

5.  Le’Ron McClain/ Baltimore Ravens
Possible Destinations: OAK, BAL, SF, SD, GBP, DEN

McClain is a stand-out FB but is a good enough back-up RB to get interest for both positions. I just think he works so well for Baltimore, it would be honestly ridiculous to let him go, especially with rumors about cutting Willis McGahee.

Photo: Getty

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