2014 NFL Free Agency Preview: Top 5 Running backs

Just Blog Baby will be covering every minute of the 2014 NFL Free Agency frenzy this March. Check in daily for breaking news, analysis and predictions from the talented JBB team and new staff writers.

NFL free agency unofficially began on Saturday when teams are allowed to open discussions with free agents who they are interested in. With that being said Just Blog Baby continues our preview of the top 2014 FA’s beginning with the top 5 running backs available in what is a down year for teams looking to upgrade their backfield through free agency.

Disclaimer: All free agency predictions are predictions only, we aren’t fortune tellers.

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Ben Tate (44) runs with the ball for a fourth quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. The Patriots beat the Texans 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

#1. Ben Tate

Age: 25

2013 Stats: 181 rushes, 771 yards, 4 touchdowns. 34 recs, 140 yards, 0 TDs (14 games)

Career Stats: 421 rushes, 1,992 yards, 10 tds. 58 recs, 287 yards, 0 TDs.

Ben Tate is undoubtedly the top free agent running back in this year’s class. The bruiser from Auburn has played second fiddle to Arian Foster in Houston but is ready to break out as a feature back. Foster has not been the most durable of backs so Tate has been given plenty of chances to impress.

Durability and toughness is no issue as the 3rd year back showed last year by playing several games with broken ribs. He would be a great fit in Oakland as a feature back but it’s likely that someone will pay him more money than the Raiders will look to spend on a position that has become less and less important in the league.