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ESPN released its top-10 running back rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL season, voted on by league personnel, and the New Orleans Saints were shut out. Both Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara received votes, but didn't crack the top 10.
Although Kamara had a down year in 2025, it's especially tough to leave Etienne off the list. The 27-year-old running back, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Saints in free agency, has a strong case for inclusion in the back half of the top 10. The ranking was based on votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts — and it was meant to identify the best running backs right now, not who has the best long-term projection or career resume.
The bottom of the list seems like a place where Etienne could've slipped in. It's a strong group, but it's hard to argue that Etienne doesn't belong in the same conversation as those players. He's coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and six receiving touchdowns. The six receiving touchdowns were a career high and ranked second among running backs in 2025, one behind Christian McCaffrey, who appeared at No. 4 on the list.
That is why being left off the list, behind some of the names near the bottom, feels like a snub to Etienne. Walker and Hall both deserve respect, but Etienne's combination of rushing production, receiving value, and durability fits perfectly within that tier.
With a strong 2026 season as the Saints' lead back, Etienne could find himself on the list next offseason. He's expected to share touches with Kamara and the rest of the backfield, which could make things difficult, but Etienne is talented enough to make a strong case for inclusion on the list.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Travis Etienne Jr. snubbed from ESPN's top-10 running back rankings
Continue reading...
Although Kamara had a down year in 2025, it's especially tough to leave Etienne off the list. The 27-year-old running back, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Saints in free agency, has a strong case for inclusion in the back half of the top 10. The ranking was based on votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts — and it was meant to identify the best running backs right now, not who has the best long-term projection or career resume.
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
- James Cook III, Buffalo Bills
- De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
- Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs
- Breece Hall, New York Jets
The bottom of the list seems like a place where Etienne could've slipped in. It's a strong group, but it's hard to argue that Etienne doesn't belong in the same conversation as those players. He's coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and six receiving touchdowns. The six receiving touchdowns were a career high and ranked second among running backs in 2025, one behind Christian McCaffrey, who appeared at No. 4 on the list.
That is why being left off the list, behind some of the names near the bottom, feels like a snub to Etienne. Walker and Hall both deserve respect, but Etienne's combination of rushing production, receiving value, and durability fits perfectly within that tier.
With a strong 2026 season as the Saints' lead back, Etienne could find himself on the list next offseason. He's expected to share touches with Kamara and the rest of the backfield, which could make things difficult, but Etienne is talented enough to make a strong case for inclusion on the list.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Travis Etienne Jr. snubbed from ESPN's top-10 running back rankings
Continue reading...
