Kyren Williams snubbed by NFL execs and coaches in 2026 RB rankings

Kyren Williams has been one of the NFL’s most consistent and reliable running backs since he took over as the starter in 2023. He’s had three straight years with at least 1,100 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming just the fourth Rams running back ever to reach 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons.

And yet, he still isn’t viewed among the best backs in football.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polled NFL executives, coaches and scouts from around the league to rank the top 10 running backs and Williams failed to make the cut. He was an honorable mention alongside Josh Jacobs and Quinshon Judkins.

Here’s what one NFL coordinator said about Williams: “Really underrated. Productive, tough as s—, runs hard, brings the juice, has improved as a pass catcher and really good in protection. Just doesn’t have the high-end traits of some of the others.”

Only one other running back from the NFC West cracked the top 10, with Christian McCaffrey checking in at No. 4. Former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was ranked ninth, but he signed with the Chiefs in free agency.

The Rams have an outstanding tandem with Williams and Blake Corum, but individually, neither is considered a top-10 running back by evaluators around the NFL.

At the top of the list is Bijan Robinson, followed by Jahmyr Gibbs and Saquon Barkley to round out the top three.