Rookie Running Back Rankings - NFL Week 5

After five weeks, we have 15 rookie running backs on our list (min. 10 touches) and the gap between first and last has grown somewhat significantly. Guys like Jay Ajayi and David Cobb still haven't seen the field, but most of the rookie running back class are represented.

Unfortunately, Melvin Gordon is represented in dead last by a large margin. He's behind players that play on much worse offenses. He is tied for the lead with the most fumbles, but those other fumblers have seen the end zone. He's still above replacement level as a receiver, but he's way below as a rusher. Thankfully, we can't quantify his blocking because that's been a train wreck.

Despite missing time due to injury, Karlos Williams is still our clear #1. David Johnson continues to shine in limited duty in Arizona. Todd Gurley is beginning to climb up the ranks, though his high workload against stacked boxes will probably hold down some of his efficiency metrics.

Overall, this class isn't lighting it up on the stat sheet, but Melvin Gordon is distancing himself from the rest of the bottom through five weeks.