Which Rookie Running Backs Excelled In Their First NFL Preseason?

• Rookie RB Rhamondre Stevenson led all players in rushing yards and touchdowns in the NFL preseason.
• Chuba Hubbard tallied 139 yards on 5.4 yards per carry for his preseason run.
• Jaret Patterson combined for 110 yards on 28 carries to start out his NFL career.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – With young running backs having such a big impact each year, the preseason is used as a good time to see the talent that could have a major effect on a team’s overall performance.

No. 1 – Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson was not just the best running back of the preseason but he was possibly the best player overall. He led all players with 216 rushing yards and five touchdowns and did so on 7.2 yards per carry. Regulated sports betting sites do not have full-season totals available for Stevenson but have added one wager to the board.

With Sony Michel out of the picture, Stevenson could compete for touches with Damien Harris, James White, and J.J. Taylor. Above all, his 6’0, 227 lbs. frame could lead to him becoming a goal-line option at the bare minimum.

No. 2 – Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

Chuba Hubbard was drafted to be the backup to Christian McCaffrey but after his preseason play, could be carving out a bigger role than expected. Hubbard recorded 139 rushing yards on 5.4 yards per carry in the preseason. NFL betting sites do not have odds available for Hubbard’s season but he has been officially announced as the RB2 in Carolina.

No. 3 – Jaret Patterson, Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team cut Peyton Barber to make room for Jaret Patterson in the running back room. The undrafted free agent out of Buffalo University tallied 110 yards on 28 carries and found his way into the endzone once. He’s done enough to be called special by the GM. He’s also a viable option in the passing game as he caught all seven of his targets in the first two weeks.

No. 4 – Asim Rose Jr., Minnesota Vikings

Asim Rose etched his name into the Minnesota Vikings (preseason) history books by being the first player to rush for 100 yards in a preseason game in seven years. He finished third overall in rushing yards and added two touchdowns as well but was waived by the team on cut day. However, the Vikings will likely bring him back as a practice squad player if another team doesn’t give him a chance first. He could be on an NFL roster sooner rather than later.

No. 5 – Mekhi Sargent, Tennessee Titans

Mekhi Sargent led all players in rushing attempts in the preseason with 49 total carries. He was second in yards per game (62.3) but his yardage was based more on volume rather than efficiency. He averaged just 3.8 yards per touch but regardless, he did enough to secure a roster spot with the Tennessee Titans.

Derrick Henry is the clear leader in the backfield but if he were to ever get injured, online sportsbooks may find themselves listing prop bets for Mekhi Sargent during the NFL season.

News tags: Asim Rose | Chuba Hubbard | Jaret Patterson | Mekhi Sargent | NFL | Rhamondre Stevenson