
NFL RB rankings: Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner snubbed from top 10
NFL training camps begin later this month. The Arizona Cardinals open theirs on July 22. That leaves just a little more time for some final lists and rankings.
Leading up to camps, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler had scouts, coaches and team execs vote for the top 10 players at different positions.
Arizona Cardinals fans would likely argue that starting running back James Conner should be on that list.
Conner was snubbed, but not completely. While he did not crack the top 10, he did receive honorable mention with four other backs.
"He's a load to bring down. Short strider with quick feet to slip tacklers, find slices of daylight. Good second-level burst. Runs behind his pads. Finisher. Underrated player." -- NFL personnel evaluator
Conner is rarely mentioned among the top backs in the league, yet he has an impact on games not unlike the very best.
But this fits Conner. He plays like he still has something to prove.
After two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and now 30 years old, can he keep it up in 2025?
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Newsweek
28 minutes ago
- Newsweek
NFL Coach Issues Massive Praise and Bold Take to Eagles Star
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Part of the reason why the Philadelphia Eagles didn't try to fight harder to keep some of their defensive free agents on board was due to the fact that they had to begin thinking about the future contracts they had to put on the table. Taking care of their younger homegrown talents will be a priority for Howie Roseman and the Eagles' front office. As the General Manager has drafted well since the Eagles reached the Jalen Hurts era, soon it will be time to start paying younger stars some big money. The defensive lineman Jalen Carter will be first in line. One anonymous NFL coach recently summed up the reason for that during an on-record discussion with ESPN. "Young player with elite tools, elite instincts and game-changing play ability," an NFL head coach told ESPN. "Think the best is yet to come from him if he can keep his life in order. Has Hall of Fame-type ability and instincts." Read More: NFL Exec Makes Confident Saquon Barkley Prediction Heading into the NFL, Carter's biggest knock was his off-field concerns. It was something the Eagles had to take a long and hard look at. Without those concerns coming out of Georgia, Carter might've been a higher pick. Instead, he nearly fell outside of the top 10. The Eagles made sure that wouldn't happen. Howie Roseman and the Philly front office called on Carter with the ninth-overall pick. He joined the team as the clock was ticking on Fletcher Cox. Since Cox was still in the building, Carter started just one game for the Eagles in 2023. Despite the lack of snaps, Carter lived up to the hype. Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, 16 games, Carter combined 33 tackles, with eight going for a loss. He registered six sacks and even took one of his two fumble recoveries back for a score. Read More: Eagles Vet Reveals Truth About Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown Duo In year two, Carter saw his snaps increase, and he became the focal point of the Eagles' defensive front. As expected, he produced a career-high 42 tackles, with 12 going for a loss. While he picked up only 4.5 sacks during the regular season, Carter hit the quarterback 16 times. He was named an All-Pro on the Second Team. Over two years, Carter hasn't dealt with any off-field problems. And he's been a problem for offenses on the field, showcasing his elite talent at the highest level. All the free agent defensive linemen with a hand in the Patrick Mahomes dominance during Super Bowl LIX got paid. It's only a matter of time before Carter gets his. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports


USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Joe Theismann says Commanders need to pay Terry McLaurin, compares him to Jerry Rice
The Washington Commanders will have a Terry McLaurin problem on their hands if they don't act soon. As the team tries to build off a phenomenal 2024 season that saw it fall in the NFC championship game, the Commanders can't afford to break up the band now. That is especially true regarding McLaurin, who has been a fixture in the lineup since entering the league in 2019. That isn't lost on Joe Theismann, the quarterback that led Washington to its first Super Bowl championship in the 1982 season. He joined Kay Adams on "Up & Adams" on July 8, where he discussed McLaurin's contract situation and why the Commanders need to get a deal done. "That would be a major problem for all of us that appreciate what the Commanders have done, what Terry has done," Theismann said of McLaurin's contract situation and his potential departure. "His intangibles and his value to this football team are even more outweighed than his talent, which we know is extreme." The former quarterback didn't hold back, insisting that the star receiver must be paid. "He needs to be paid," Theismann said. "He needs to be paid right away. We need to put this issue behind us as a football team. He is one of the leaders. And he's a guy that you can always count on." McLaurin has been a model citizen for Washington since he was drafted in the third round with the 76th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has played four consecutive seasons without missing a game. Until 2024, McLaurin hadn't enjoyed great quarterback play during his time in the nation's capital. Despite those challenges, McLaurin has notched at least 1,000 yards in five of his six seasons and found the end zone 13 times in 2024 with rookie Jayden Daniels taking over under center. Theismann argued that "Scary Terry" is the best receiver in the game, even comparing him to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. "He's faster than people think," Theismann said. "He sort of fits into that Jerry Rice category, where he's not a burner, he doesn't get all the publicity, he doesn't get all the hype, but he's as good as anybody that plays this game." Theismann added that the receiver is the piece that holds the team together and Washington can't afford to be without him – pointing out that losing someone like McLaurin would only hurt Daniels. McLaurin made headlines when he opted to skip mandatory minicamp in early June, bringing the contract issue to the forefront. The 29-year-old, who will turn 30 in September, is entering the last year of his three-year, $68.3 million deal, according to Spotrac. With the receiver market trending up and his contract set to expire, McLaurin is looking to cash in. In Theismann's eyes, the Commanders don't have a choice. As the regular season kickoff approaches, the team might begin to feel the same way. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.

Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Johni Broome rises to block the shot
What Does Gavin McKenna's College Commitment Mean For The CHL And NCAA's Recruiting Saga? Gavin McKenna, the phenom and top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, is committing to Penn State. He made the announcement on ESPN on Tuesday.