ESPN names Derrick Henry the best running back in the NFL

This is more like it.

Just one day after Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was left out of ESPN’s top 10 quarterbacks list headed into 2021, Derrick Henry has been named to the top 10 running backs list. In case you missed it, ESPN is currently releasing their top 10 players at every position. ESPN surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help them create the list.

Running backs don’t always get the love they deserve. A two-time Pro Bowler and one of the best overall players in the league, Henry is coming off a historic season that saw him join the elite 2,000 yard rushing club. He’s well on his way to going down as one of the all-time greats at the position.

Here’s what they had to say about Henry:

“If you’re comfortable staying patient with 2- and 3-yard gains in the first half, knowing those same runs will turn into 8-yard runs in the second half, then he’s by far the best player at this position,” an NFC offensive coach said.

An NFC scout added: “He wears your ass out. He’s a train.”

This is a fun stat/factoid that is mentioned in the article:

Henry averages 10.87 mph when crossing the line of scrimmage, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. No other running back with 150-plus carries surpassed that (though quarterback Lamar Jackson did, at 13.45). Henry’s 80% third-down conversion rate is also absurd.

What do you think? Does Henry topping the list make you feel a bit better about Tannehill’s omission? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.