The Rise of 2017 Backs

I am taking a look at three NFL running backs from the 2017 draft class who have made an impact this year and have propelled their teams to a bit of success as we hit Week 11 for this upcoming Thursday.

The surprising one of the bunch is Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers. Despite the inconsistency in yards gained a week, his numbers are welcoming sign. Last year was not bad, but this year, he has nearly 600 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns. Add in three more scores in the air and over 350 receiving yards and he is making some big waves. The Pack hasn't had a strong back in five years and to see production from him and Jamaal Williams (five receiving scores and both backs combined have scored 20 times), it's a step in the right direction and a reason they are in first place in their division. MVP for a fifth rounder? Maybe.

The next guy is Minnesota Viking Dalvin Cook. This guy is finally living up to what people expected. A rookie season that ended with an ACL injury and hamstring issues last year, he has put those problems behind him. Just shy of a thousand yards and ten scores, the second round pick has put up over 400 receiving yards to go along with what should be a Pro Bowl year. Minnesota's run game has vastly improved this year and health is a reason why the domination has been seen. More than likely, this is a wild card team if Green Bay wins the North division. And the Vikes can thank Cook for why they have been very good offensively.

Last is last year's snub, Christian McCaffrey. The eighth overall pick had a decent rookie season that saw him more as a receiving back. Last year as the main starter, he was lights out strong in a disappointing season. Now, he is just shy of a thousand rushing with 11 scores. The receiving is still good, just shy of 400 yards and three TD's. With his play, he should be on pace to reach 2000 yards or more from scrimmage. He could be the guy, barring injury, that the Carolina Panthers need as they figure out what to do with their quarterback situation heading into 2020. But it starts and ends with McCaffrey.

These three are early cases for MVP. What do you think? McCaffrey should be given a chance to win it. Same with Cook. I doubt Jones could, but a few votes could go to him. As we enter the second half of the season, let's see if they perform like they did the first half of the year.