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Bijan Robinson Edges Jahmyr Gibbs in ESPN Running Back Rankings for 2026
ESPN polled more than 70 league executives, coaches and scouts for its seventh annual position rankings. Bijan Robinson finished first with the highest composite average despite a close vote over Jahmyr Gibbs.
Jul 7, 8:19 AM·1m read1 source
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Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons ranked first in ESPN's survey of top NFL running backs for 2026. The 24-year-old received the highest composite average of 1.78 and edged Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions in a tight vote that produced nearly equal numbers of first-place ballots.
Robinson led the NFL with 2,498 yards from scrimmage in 2025, surpassing William Andrews' franchise record of 2,176 set in 1983.
He became only the third Falcon, alongside Andrews and Julio Jones, to lead the league in that category. The rankings reflect current performance rather than long-term projections or career totals. Voters submitted ballots on the basis of play observed through the 2025 season.
ESPN conducted the survey ahead of the 2026 training camps, which begin this month. More than 70 voters participated across multiple positions, with additional interviews used to finalize placements. Running back contract values have risen since 2024.
Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley signed deals averaging $19 million and $20.6 million per year, respectively. Three additional backs received contracts between $14 million and $16 million during the 2026 offseason. An AFC executive cited the high cost of wide receivers as a factor in renewed interest in versatile backs who can catch passes.
