Scouts, Inc. and ESPN have recently released its 2011 NFL player rankings, and the Kansas City Chiefs have to be happy with the position of their offensive MVP. Jamaal Charles is the third best running back in the NFL according to the listings, and it's clear he could jump both the Vikings' Adrian Peterson and the Titans' Chris Johnson with another season like last year.
Teaming with veteran Thomas Jones last year, Charles led the Chiefs rushing attack which led the NFL in total rushing yards. Charles' exceptional 6.4 yards/carry listed him alongside some of the best rushing seasons in NFL history and his star has never been brighter. Now the Chiefs are hoping he can continue such rushing totals against more formidable competition in 2011. Scouts, Inc. writes:
A third-round choice in 2008, Charles has steadily improved his numbers each and every year. Although he has shared starting and playing time with either Larry Johnson (2009) or Thomas Jones (2010), he has managed to lead the team in yards and gain in excess of 1,000 yards each of the past two years.
He finished 2010 as the league's No. 2 ball carrier with 1,467 yards and had the best per-carry average (6.4). He is explosive to the hole as well as through it and is extremely dangerous once he gets to the second level with his open-field running skills and acceleration. He is slightly undersized for the position but appears to hold up well. He is a very effective receiver out of the backfield as well as on downfield routes.
Given the Chiefs additions this off-season to continue to feature the running game -- from the signing of two-time Pro Bowl fullback Le'Ron McClain from the Ravens to the addition of blocking tight end Anthony Becht -- the Chiefs should be better poised to run the football than ever before. And Charles has the talent to become the best overall RB in the NFL in the process.