was quite pleased upon being selected by the Steelers in this year's NFL Draft. That being said, he didn't love seeing 23 players get selected before his name was called.Five quarterbacks, five offensive linemen, four receivers, one tight end, and eight defensive players were selected before Harris, the first running back taken in the draft. Harris was one of just two running backs taken in the first round, with Clemson's -- taken by the Jaguars with the 25th pick -- being the other."Yeah, it was extremely frustrating," Harris said of watching nearly two dozen players get selected before him, . "Especially having this draft party and inviting everybody out and not knowing what's going to happen. But yeah ... running backs devalued. I can give numerous reasons why we shouldn't be devalued. Just knowing that, hey, you're better than all these guys, it's just Landry Shamet Jersey that you play running back."Harris and Etienne will try to change the narrative currently surrounding running backs. And while the running back position may no longer be king of the hill, several teams this century have benefited by selecting a running back in the first round. With that in mind, we decided to rank each running back that was selected in the first round between 2000-20. Given that the rankings focused primarily on overall career achievements, don't look too far into where current players rank on the following list -- they could very well end up on top once they call it a career. 1. LaDainian TomlinsonNo. 5 overall pick, 2001 draft (2001-09); Jets (2010-11)A 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Tomlinson led the NFL in rushing two times and rushing touchdowns three times. Tomlinson was named league MVP in 2006 after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns. Three years earlier, Tomlinson became the first running back to catch 100 pa ses in a single season (incredibly, Tomlinson was not named to the Pro Bowl that year). The seventh-leading rusher in NFL history, Tomlinson posted eight consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons en route to being named to the NFL's All-2000s Team. Pick Six Newsletter Crafted By The Best NFL Experts Get the day's big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. By pre sing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the and acknowledge Paramount's . Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error proce sing your subscription. 2. No. 7 overall pick, 2007 draft (2007-16); Saints/Cardinals (2017); Washington (2018-19); Lions (2020)The fifth-leading rusher in NFL history, Peterson is a three-time rushing champion and member of the NFL's All-2010s Team. In 2012, "AD" was named league MVP after rushing for 2,097 yards, the second-highest total in NFL history. In 2015, Peterson became the second-oldest player in league history to lead the NFL in rushing. At age 36, the future Hall of Famer is for the 2021 season.3. 12th overall pick, 2007 draftBills (2007-10); Seahawks (2010-15, 2019); Raiders (2017-18)Lynch made his first Pro Bowl in Buffalo, but his "Beast Mode" persona was born in Seattle. The owner of the iconic "Beast Quake" run in the 2010 playoffs, Lynch was among the league's best running backs from 2011-14. During that span, Lynch made four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro, and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons. He also helped lead the Seahawks to two NFC titles as well as a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Lynch is 29th all time on the regular-season career rushing list and eighth on the playoff career rushing list. 4.24th overall pick, 2004 draftRams (2004-12); Falcons (2013-14); Patriots (2015)A big, physical back at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Jackson ripped off eight straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2005-12. His best season took place in 2006, when Jackson rumbled for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Rams. After nine seasons in St. Louis, Jackson signed with the , who were coming off of a 13-3 season and appearance in the NFC title game. The Falcons won just 10 games during Jackson's two seasons in Atlanta, however, thus leading to Jackson signing with the Patriots with the hope of winning a championship. In what would be his final NFL game, Jackson scored a touchdown in New England's 20-18 lo s to Denver in the 2015 AFC Championship Game. Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. Simpson.5. Jamal LewisNo. 5 overall pick, 2000 draftRavens (2000-06); Browns (2007-09)How good was Lewis? As a rookie, he started over future All-Pro Priest Holmes. That season, Lewis rushed for nearly 1,400 yards while helping lead Baltimore to its first Super Bowl title. After mi sing the entire 2001 season with an injury, Lewis rushed for over 1,000 yards in six out of the next seven seasons. In 2003, Lewis became the fifth member of the 2,000-yard rushing club while coming within 40 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season record. After seven active seasons in Baltimore, Lewis played three more seasons in Cleveland, where he posted two more 1,000-yard rushing seasons. A member of the NFL's All-2000s Team, Lewis is 25th all time on the NFL's career rushing list. 6. 24th overall pick, 2008 draftTitans (2008-13); Jets (2014); Cardinals (2015-17)The speedy Johnson earned Pro Bowl honors during his first three seasons with the . In 2009, Johnson became the sixth member of the NFL's 2,000-yard club after rushing for a league-high 2,006 yards. Johnson tallied six 1,000-yard campaigns in Nashville before spending one season with the . He then resurfaced in Arizona, where he was the ' leading rusher before an injury prematurely ended his 2015 season. Johnson had just 70 carries during the 2016 and '17 seasons before announcing his retirement in 2018. Johnson's 9,651 rushing yards are good for 35th on the all-time list, ahead of Hall of Famers Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor and Larry Csonka, among others.7. Shaun Alexander19th overall pick, 2000 draftSeahawks (2000-07); Washington (2008)One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander averaged 1,500 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns per season from 2001-05. A Pro Bowler each season from 2003-05, Alexander won league MVP in 2005 after leading the league in rushing yards (1,880) and rushing touchdowns (27). His succe s that season helped the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl. Injuries in subsequent seasons, however, led to a drastic drop in Alexander's production. Despite his abbreviated prime, Alexander is 36th on the league's career rushing list. He is also a member of the NFL's All-2000s Team.8. Thomas JonesNo. 7 overall pick, 2000 draftCardinals (2000-02); Buccaneers (2003); Bears (2004-06); Jets (2007-09); Chiefs (2010-11) Thomas received just 18 starts during his first four NFL seasons. Things changed after Thomas joined the Bears, where he would rush for 3,493 yards in three seasons while helping Chicago capture the NFC title in 2006. Thomas continued to have succe s with the Jets, where he posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2008. Thomas, who finished his career with the Chiefs, is 26th all time on the league's career rushing list.9. DeAngelo Williams27th overall pick, 2006 draftPanthers (2006-14); Steelers (2015-16)A 2009 Pro Bowler, Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2008 and in 2015. Formerly the Panthers' career rushing leader, Williams enjoyed a late career resurgence in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers went 10-4 with Williams in the starting lineup. Williams retired with 10,202 all-purpose yards and 70 total touchdowns.10. 28th overall pick, 2011 draftSaints (2011-18); Ravens (2019-20); Texans (2021)After a somewhat slow start, Ingram has put together an impre sive pro career. A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram enjoyed considerable succe s in New Orleans before rushing for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns for the in 2019. Ingram -- who is entering his first season with the Texans -- is currently 60th on the NFL's all-time rushing list. 11. No. 2 overall pick, 2006 draftSaints (2006-10); Dolphins (2011-12); Lions (2013-14); (2015); Bills (2016)While his career may not have lived up to his pre-draft hype, Bush nonethele s enjoyed a fruitful NFL career. As a rookie, Bush caught 88 pa ses to help lead the Saints to their first NFC Championship Game. Three Jerome Robinson Jersey years later, he helped the Saints win the franchise's only Super Bowl title. Bush enjoyed more succe s after leaving New Orleans. He rushed for over 1,000 yards (while averaging 5 yards per carry) for the in 2011. He hit the 1,000-yard mark again for the in 2013.11. Willis McGahee23rd overall pick, 2003 draftBills (2004-06); Ravens (2007-10); Broncos (2011-12); Browns (2013)The drafted McGahee with the understanding that he would need time to heal a serious knee injury sustained during the 2003 national championship. After rehabbing for the 2003 season, McGahee rushed for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004 while leading the Bills to the precipice of the postseason. A 1,000-yard rusher for three different franchises, McGahee earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2007 as a member of the Ravens. In 2011, the 30-year-old running back earned his second Pro Bowl selection while helping the Broncos advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. McGahee is 41st all time on the career rushing list, an incredible achievement considering the significance of his 2003 knee injury. 12. Deuce McAllister23rd overall pick, 2001 draftSaints (2001-08)A backup in 2001, McAllister became the Saints' starting running back after the team traded Ricky Williams in 2002. A two-time Pro Bowler, McAllister is the only running back in Saints history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. His best season occurred in 2003, when he rushed for 1,641 yards while also recording 516 receiving yards. And while an injury in 2007 contributed to his 2009 release, McAllister was added to the Saints' roster prior to the team's Super Bowl win over the Colts. McAllister's 6,096 rushing yards remains the Saints' career rushing Rodney McGruder Jersey record.13. 10th overall pick, 2015 draftRams (2015-19); Falcons (2020)Knee problems may ultimately keep Gurley from going down as an all-time great. A three-time Pro Bowler (and two-time All-Pro) during his first four seasons, Gurley led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive years while helping the reach the Super Bowl in 2018. Gurley's production has decreased on recent seasons, however, as he is currently a free agent after averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry in Atlanta.14. 13th overall pick, 2008 draftPanthers (2008-17); Giants (2018)Stewart put up impre sive career numbers despite sharing a backfield for the majority of his career. He gained over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns during his first two seasons in Carolina. In 2014, following teammate ' injury, Stewart gained nearly 1,000-purpose yards while receiving a then-career high eight starts. His succe s that season ultimately led to the team parting with Williams during the 2015 offseason. That season, Stewart earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection while helping the reach the Super Bowl. Stewart (who was ultimately replaced in Carolina by Christian McCaffrey) spent one season with the Giants before retiring during the 2019 offseason. 15.No. 4 overall pick, 2016 draftCowboys (2016-Present)A two-time NFL rushing champion, Elliott is on pace to join fellow greats Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith in Canton, Ohio. A three-time Pro Bowler, Elliott averaged 1,668 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns per season during his first five years in Dallas.16. Larry Johnson27th overall pick, 2003 draftChiefs (2003-2009); Bengals (2009); Washington (2010); Miami (2011)Owner of the greatest single rushing season in Penn State history, Johnson began his career as Priest Holmes' backup in Kansas City. Injuries to Holmes opened the door for Johnson, who rushed for over 3,500 yards and 37 touchdowns during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Injuries and off-field i sues led to a significant drop in production after the 2006 season. And following an unceremonious end of his tenure with the Chiefs, Johnson had largely forgettable stops in Cincinnati, Washington and Miami.17. 30th overall pick, 2006 draftColts (2006-2011)Addai posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his first two years with the Colts. His 143 total yards helped the Colts defeat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Addai is currently seventh on the Colts' career rushing list. 18. 12th overall pick, 2010 draftChargers (2010-2014); Eagles (2015-2016)Injuries are the reason why Mathews was out of football at age 29. When healthy, the former Fresno State star was a Pro Bowl-caliber player. During his only two seasons where he played in at least 14 games, Mathews rushed for over 1,000 yards both times. He made the Pro Bowl in 2011 after rushing for 1,091 yards and catching 50 pa ses for 455 yards.19. 15th overall pick, 2015 draftChargers (2015-2019); Broncos (2020)The prototype running back for today's NFL, Gordon earned two Pro Bowl nods during his first four seasons in the NFL. And while his touches were somewhat limited during his first season in Denver, Gordon still managed to rush for nearly 1,000 yards while scoring 10 touchdowns for the fourth time in his career.20. No. 2 overall pick, 2005 draftDolphins (2005-10); (2011); Chargers (2012-14); Texans (2014)Along with Ricky Williams, Brown has the distinction of being part of the NFL's charter "Wild Cat" offense. While he shared a backfield for most of his time in Miami, Brown still managed to averaged nearly 1,000 rushing yards per season with the Dolphins. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 while helping Miami capture the AFC East title. He is currently third on the Dolphins' career rushing list, behind Williams and Csonka. 21. No. 4 overall pick, 2008 draftRaiders (2008-14); Cowboys (2015-17)The first of two Arkansas running backs taken in the first round of the 2008 draft ( being the other), McFadden was the first former Razorback to register two 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL. While he continuously battled through injury, McFadden still managed to ama s 1,664 all-purpose yards for the Raiders in 2010. Five years later, as a member of the Cowboys, McFadden rushed for 1,089 yards despite only starting in 10 games. He spent the 2016 season as Ezekiel Elliott's replacement before retiring during the 2017 season.22. No. 8 overall pick, 2017 draftPanthers (2017-Present)One of the NFL's most versatile backs, McCaffrey earned All-Pro honors in 2019 after becoming the third player in league history to tally 1,000 yards rushing and receiving. McCaffrey is looking to bounce back after an injury sidelined him for all but three games in 202023. 31st overall pick, 2012 draftBuccaneers (2012-17); Raiders (2018)While healthy, Martin was a very good player. He gained 1,926 total yards during his rookie season, and he was an All-Pro in 2015 after rushing for over 1,400 yards. But eight significant injuries -- the last one placing him on injured reserve in 2019 -- resulted in Martin playing in his last regular season game at just 29 years old.24. Cedric BensonNo. 4 overall pick, 2005 draftBears (2005-07); Bengals (2008-11); Packers (2012)While Chicago just wasn't a good fit Kawhi Leonard Jersey , Benson still helped lead the to the Super Bowl in 2006. He enjoyed significantly more succe s in Cincinnati, where he tallied three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while helping the clinch two playoff berths and a division title. A Lisfranc injury in 2012 (his only season with the ) limited him to just five games in what would be his final season.25. No. 9 overall pick, 2010 draftBills (2010-14); Saints (2015); Jets/Seahawks (2016); Chiefs (2017)Spiller's career had an uphill trajectory during his first three seasons. By 2012, he earned Pro Bowl honors after rushing for 1,244 yards and averaging 6 yards per carry. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. He spent the final two season of his career shuffling between teams before returning to Clemson, where he was recently promoted to running backs coach.26. 23rd overall pick, 2008 draftSteelers (2008-12); Cardinals (2013)The last running back taken in the first round before Najee Harris, Mendenhall won a Super Bowl as a rookie despite spending most of the season on injured reserve. He returned to put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons that included a 1,273-yard, 13 touchdown campaign in 2010. While he helped the Steelers advance to the Super Bowl that season, Mendenhall's most infamous NFL moment occurred when jarred the ball loose from his arms during a pivotal moment in Super Bowl XLV (the Steelers ended up losing, 31-25). Mendenhall finished his career in Arizona before retiring after just six seasons.27. 12th overall pick, 2009 draftBroncos (2009-13); Dolphins (2014)Injuries limited the former Georgia star to just 63 NFL games. A key member of the ' 2013 AFC championship team, Moreno rushed for over 1,000 yards that season after mi sing half of the 2012 campaign with a torn ACL. Another torn ACL injury in 2014 -- his only season in Miami -- prematurely ended his career.28.27th overall pick, 2001 draftVikings (2001-05); Chiefs (2006-07); Buccaneers (2007-08); Chargers (2008-09); Raiders (2010)A Pro Bowler in 2002, a freak injury (he injured his foot while running on a treadmill) hindered Bennett's productivity for the remainder of his career. While he would never come close to duplicating his succe s of 2002, Bennett still managed to carve out a 10-year career. He finished his career with nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns.29. Felix Jones22nd overall pick, 2008 draftCowboys (2008-12); Steelers (2013)Jones enjoyed a solid yet unspectacular six-year NFL career. The NFL's leader in yards-per-carry average in 2009, Jones' best season took place in 2010, when he ama sed 1,250 all-purpose yards for the Cowboys. Jones shared a backfield for most of his career; he spent three seasons playing alongside and two years with .30. No. 4 overall pick, 2017 draftJaguars (2017-19); Buccaneers (2020-Present)A throwback power back, Fournette helped lead the to the brink of the Super Bowl as a rookie. He has enjoyed a career resurgence with the , as Tampa Bay went 7-0 with Fournette in its starting lineup during the 2020 season. "Playoff Lenny" gained 448 total yards and four touchdowns during the Buccaneers' 2020 playoff run. With a score in the Bucs' Super Bowl LV win, "Lombardi Lenny" was born.31. No. 2 overall pick, 2018 draftGiants (2018-Present)Barkley quickly became a household name after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Barkley is looking to reclaim his spot as arguably the NFL's top running back after an injury wiped out most of his 2020 season.32.No. 5 overall pick, 2005 draftBuccaneers (2005-10); Rams (2011)One of two former Auburn running backs selected in the first round, Williams won Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for nearly 1,200 yards. Injuries, however, along with the eventual emergence of ultimately contributed to Williams never duplicating his rookie succe s.33. Kevin Jones30th overall pick, 2004 draftLions (2004-07); Bears (2008)Jones was only the third Lions rookie for rush for over 1,000 yards after gaining 1,133 yards in 2011. Injuries, however, would limited him to fewer than 700 yards over his remaining three years in Detroit. He had one uneventful season in Chicago before spending another year in the now defunct United Football League.34. 21st overall pick, 2006 draftPatriots (2006-09); Broncos (2010)After sharing a backfield with Marion Barber at the University of Minnesota, Maroney shared one with Kevin Faulk in New England. An integral member of the 2007 Patriots team that started 18-0, Maroney rushed for 122 yards in the Patriots' postseason wins over the Jaguars and Chargers. Maroney (following an injury-marred 2008 season) posted another solid season in 2009 before finishing his career with the Broncos.35. Ron Dayne11th overall pick, 2000 draftGiants (2000-04); Broncos (2005); Texans (2006-07)While he failed to live up to pre-draft expectations, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner did have several productive seasons that included helping the Giants reach the Super Bowl during his rookie season. Ironically, Dayne's best season was his last; he rushed for 773 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry for the Texans.36. 27th overall pick, 2009 draftColts (2009-13); Chargers (2014-15)While he never became a full-time starter, Brown managed to put together a semi-productive seven-year career. In 2011, Brown ran for five scores while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Two years later, Brown set career highs with six rushing touchdowns and 751 all-purpose yards.37. T.J. Duckett18th overall pick, 2002 draftFalcons (2002-05); Washington (2006); Lions (2007); Seahawks (2008)A powerful running back, the 6-foot, 254-pound Duckett spend his first three NFL seasons as part of a talented Falcons backfield that featured Michael Vick and fellow running back Warrick Dunn. While he was never a full-time starter, Duckett helped the Falcons clinch two playoff berths over that span that included a run to the NFC title game in 2004. After four years in Atlanta, Duckett spent one season a piece in Washington, Detroit and Seattle.38.24th overall pick, 2019 draftRaiders (2019-Present)Jacobs posted the best rookie season by a running back since 1982 campaign. And while his 2020 season was not quite as good, Jacobs nonethele s was named to his first Pro Bowl last year on the strength of his 12 rushing touchdowns.39. 31st overall pick, 2018 draftPatriots (2018-Present)Injuries have considerably limited Michel's impact over the past two seasons. But as a rookie, Michel showed his value by helping the win their sixth Super Bowl title. After rushing for 931 yards in 13 Patrick Beverley Jersey regular-season games as a rookie, Michel rushed for 336 yards and six touchdowns during the 2018 postseason.40. Beanie Wells31st overall pick, 2009 draftCardinals (2009-2012)After sharing a backfield for two seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye took advantage of his elevated role in 2011. He ran for a career-high 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns that included a franchise-record 228 yards against the Rams. But an injury limited him to eight games in 2012, and a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the ensuing offseason prematurely ended his career.41. No. 3 overall pick, 2012 draftBrowns (2012-13); Colts (2013-14)An extremely productive player at Alabama, Richardson's lack of big-play ability hindered his NFL production. While his rookie season wasn't bad (he ama sed 1,317 yards and 12 touchdowns), Richardson was nonethele s traded from Cleveland to Indianapolis at the start of the 2013 season. He averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in 29 games with the . Richardson averaged just 3.3 yards per carry during his three-year career.42. William Green16th overall pick, 2002 draftBrowns (2002-05)While somewhat underwhelming, Green still managed to rack up 1,000 all-purpose yards while helping the make the playoffs during this rookie season. Ultimately, Green's inconsistency (he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry for his career) and off-field i sues led to him being out of the NFL after just four seasons. Green attempted a comeback in 2008 but was never signed to a contract.43. Jahvid Best30th overall pick, 2010 draftLions (2010-12)Multiple concu sions resulted in Best appearing in just 22 NFL games. In his second-to-last game, Best rushed for a career-high 163 yards (on 12 carries) that included an 88-yard touchdown run.44. 32nd overall pick, 2020 draftChiefs (2020-Present)The former LSU Tiger bust out of the gates in rookie debut, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown in the ' opening-season win over the . And while a hip injury slowed his roll at the end of the season, Edwards-Helaire still managed to gain 1,100 all-purpose yards in 13 regular-season games. He also helped the Chiefs return to the Super Bowl for a second straight year.45. Trung Canidate31st overall, 2000 draftRams (2000-02); Washington (2003)The fifth running back selected in the first round of the 2000 draft, Canidate spent his first three NFL seasons playing behind future Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. And despite a solid 2003 season in Washington, Canidate was released after the team traded for former Broncos Pro Bowler Clinton Portis. Canidate never played in another NFL game.46. Chris Perry26th overall pick, 2004 draftBengals (2004-08)While injuries ultimately cut his career short, Perry did help the Bengals win their first AFC North title in 2005. That season, Perry caught 51 pa ses, the most by a Bengals running back since James Brooks in 1986.47.27th overall pick, 2018 draftSeahawks (2018-Present)Injuries and the emergence of 2017 seventh-round pick have severely limited Penny's NFL production. Through three seasons, the former San Diego State standout has rushed for just 823 yards on 161 carries for the .48. 32nd overall pick, 2012 draftGiants (2012-14)A severe spinal injury forced Wilson to retire after just 21 games. And while his career was short, Wilson did set a franchise record for total yards gained in a game when he ama sed 327 yards in a 2012 win over the .
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