Top 5 Rookie Running Backs Making an Impact in the 2014 NFL Season

Discover the top rookie running backs of 2014! Find out who made the cut and which players are poised for success in the NFL.

Are you ready to relive the excitement of the best rookie running backs in 2014? These fresh faces made a significant impact on their respective teams, and the league as a whole. From explosive bursts of speed to impressive displays of power, these rookies left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike. In this article, we'll take a closer look at each player's individual strengths and contributions to their team's success. So, let's dive into the world of the best rookie running backs of 2014!

First up is the electrifying Bishop Sankey, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round. Sankey wasted no time showing off his skills, becoming the first rookie to start at running back for the Titans since Chris Johnson in 2008. His quickness and agility allowed him to make big plays both on the ground and through the air, finishing the season with 569 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 18 receptions for 133 yards.

Next on our list is the bruising Jeremy Hill, who was taken by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round. Hill quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, using his powerful legs to bulldoze through opposing defenses. He finished the season with an impressive 1,124 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, helping lead the Bengals to the playoffs.

Another standout rookie from 2014 was the dynamic Tre Mason, who was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the third round. Mason's speed and elusiveness made him a dangerous weapon for the Rams, as he racked up 765 rushing yards and four touchdowns in just 12 games. He also set a franchise record for most rushing yards in a single game with 164 yards against the Oakland Raiders.

Although he was not drafted until the fourth round, Devonta Freeman proved to be a steal for the Atlanta Falcons. Freeman's versatility as a runner and receiver made him a valuable asset for the Falcons, who utilized him in a variety of ways throughout the season. He finished the year with 248 rushing yards, one touchdown, and 30 receptions for 225 yards and one touchdown.

Then there is the shifty Carlos Hyde, who was taken by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round. Hyde's ability to make defenders miss and break tackles was on full display during his rookie campaign, as he rushed for 333 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 68 yards, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat back.

Another rookie who made a significant impact in 2014 was the explosive Jerick McKinnon, who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round. McKinnon's speed and agility allowed him to break off big runs, as he finished the season with 538 rushing yards and zero touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 135 yards, proving to be a reliable outlet for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Rounding out our list is the versatile Charles Sims, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round. Sims' ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him a valuable weapon for the Buccaneers, as he hauled in 19 receptions for 190 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 185 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Overall, the class of 2014's rookie running backs left a lasting impact on the league, showcasing their unique skillsets and contributing to the success of their respective teams. From Sankey's quickness to Hill's power, each player brought something different to the table, making them all worthy of recognition. As we look ahead to the future, it will be exciting to see what these players have in store for the years to come.

Introduction

The 2014 NFL season was a year for rookie running backs to shine. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most impressive rookie running backs that made an impact in their first season. These players showed promising potential and left a lasting impression on the league.

Bishop Sankey

Bishop Sankey was drafted in the second round by the Tennessee Titans. He was the first running back selected in the draft and had high expectations coming into his rookie year. Although he didn’t have a breakout season, he still managed to produce 569 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Sankey also showed promise as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 18 passes for 133 yards. However, he struggled with consistency and ball security, fumbling four times during the season.

Jeremy Hill

Jeremy Hill was drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals. He quickly made a name for himself as a powerful runner, finishing the season with 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns. Hill was a key part of the Bengals’ offense and helped lead them to the playoffs. He also showed his versatility as a receiver, catching 27 passes for 215 yards. Hill’s physical style of play and ability to break tackles made him one of the most exciting rookie running backs of the 2014 season.

Terrance West

Terrance West was drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns. He was expected to be a backup to Ben Tate, but quickly earned the starting job after Tate was released. West finished the season with 673 yards and four touchdowns, but also struggled with consistency and ball security. Despite his struggles, West showed flashes of potential and could be a key player for the Browns in the future.

Carlos Hyde

Carlos Hyde was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers. He was expected to be a backup to Frank Gore, but still managed to produce 333 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Hyde showed his potential as a powerful runner and could be a key player for the 49ers in the future. However, he also struggled with injuries during his rookie year, missing three games due to an ankle injury.

Tre Mason

Tre Mason was drafted in the third round by the St. Louis Rams. He didn’t have a breakout season, but still managed to produce 765 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Mason showed his potential as a versatile runner and receiver, catching 16 passes for 148 yards. He also had a memorable game against the Seattle Seahawks, rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown. Mason’s potential makes him a player to watch in the future.

Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman was drafted in the fourth round by the Atlanta Falcons. He started the season as a backup to Steven Jackson, but quickly earned more playing time as the season progressed. Freeman finished the season with 248 rushing yards and one touchdown, but also showed his potential as a receiver, catching 30 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown. He also had a memorable game against the New Orleans Saints, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown. Freeman’s versatility and potential make him a player to watch in the future.

Jerrick McKinnon

Jerrick McKinnon was drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings. He didn’t have a breakout season, but still managed to produce 538 rushing yards and zero touchdowns. McKinnon showed his potential as a versatile runner and receiver, catching 27 passes for 135 yards. He also had a memorable game against the Atlanta Falcons, rushing for 135 yards. McKinnon’s potential makes him a player to watch in the future.

Conclusion

The 2014 NFL season was a year for rookie running backs to shine. These players showed promising potential and left a lasting impression on the league. Although some had better seasons than others, all of them have the potential to be key players for their respective teams in the future. The future looks bright for these rookie running backs and it will be exciting to see how their careers develop in the coming years.

The Rise of the Rookie Running Backs in 2014

The 2014 NFL season saw the emergence of several talented rookie running backs who had an immediate impact on their teams. While some rookies take time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL, these running backs hit the ground running and never looked back. In this article, we will evaluate the best rookie running backs of 2014, discuss their impact on their respective teams, analyze their stats, and examine their potential for the future.

The Top Performers: Evaluating the Best Rookie Running Backs of 2014

One of the standout rookie running backs of the 2014 season was Jeremy Hill of the Cincinnati Bengals. Hill burst onto the scene in Week 9, rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the season with 1,124 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.Another standout rookie running back was Tre Mason of the St. Louis Rams. Mason took over as the starting running back midway through the season and never looked back. He rushed for 765 yards and four touchdowns, including a 164-yard performance against the Oakland Raiders in Week 13.Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons was also a standout rookie running back in 2014. Freeman started the season as a backup but quickly earned a larger role in the offense. He finished the season with 1,056 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.

The Impact of Rookie Running Backs on Their Teams in 2014

The impact of rookie running backs on their teams in 2014 cannot be understated. Jeremy Hill's emergence as a dominant running back gave the Bengals a much-needed boost in their running game. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact made him a valuable asset to the Bengals offense.Tre Mason's impact on the St. Louis Rams was equally impressive. His ability to make defenders miss and break long runs gave the Rams offense a much-needed spark. Mason's performance in the second half of the season helped the Rams finish with a 6-10 record, despite a lackluster start to the season.Devonta Freeman's emergence as a starter for the Atlanta Falcons helped the team turn their season around. Freeman's ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field made him a valuable asset to the Falcons offense. His breakout season helped the Falcons finish with a 6-10 record, after starting the season with a 2-6 record.

The Most Exciting Moments from the Best Rookie Running Backs of 2014

One of the most exciting moments from the best rookie running backs of 2014 came in Week 9 when Jeremy Hill rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hill's ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact was on full display in this game, as he averaged 6.6 yards per carry.Another exciting moment came in Week 13 when Tre Mason rushed for 164 yards and one touchdown against the Oakland Raiders. Mason's ability to make defenders miss and break long runs was on full display in this game, as he averaged 8.6 yards per carry.Devonta Freeman's most exciting moment came in Week 3 when he rushed for 89 yards and three touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Freeman's ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field was also on full display in this game, as he caught five passes for 52 yards.

The Future of the League: Examining the Potential of 2014's Rookie Running Backs

The future of the NFL looks bright with the emergence of talented rookie running backs in 2014. Jeremy Hill, Tre Mason, and Devonta Freeman all have the potential to become dominant running backs in the league for years to come.Jeremy Hill's ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact make him a valuable asset to any offense. He has already established himself as one of the top running backs in the league, and his future looks bright.Tre Mason's ability to make defenders miss and break long runs make him a threat to score on any given play. He has the potential to become one of the most exciting running backs in the league if he continues to develop his skills.Devonta Freeman's ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field make him a valuable asset to any offense. He has already established himself as one of the top dual-threat running backs in the league, and his future looks bright.

The Rookie Running Backs Who Surprised Everyone in 2014

One of the rookie running backs who surprised everyone in 2014 was Andre Williams of the New York Giants. Williams rushed for 721 yards and seven touchdowns, despite starting only seven games. His powerful running style and ability to break tackles made him a fan favorite in New York.Another rookie running back who surprised everyone in 2014 was Isaiah Crowell of the Cleveland Browns. Crowell rushed for 607 yards and eight touchdowns, despite playing behind veteran running back Ben Tate for most of the season. His explosive running style and ability to break long runs made him a valuable asset to the Browns offense.

The Stats Behind the Best Rookie Running Backs of 2014

The stats behind the best rookie running backs of 2014 are impressive. Jeremy Hill finished the season with 1,124 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Tre Mason rushed for 765 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Devonta Freeman finished the season with 1,056 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 9.1 yards per reception.Andre Williams rushed for 721 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Isaiah Crowell rushed for 607 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. While their stats may not be as impressive as the top performers, they still had a significant impact on their teams in 2014.

The Challenges Faced by Rookie Running Backs in their First Year

Rookie running backs face several challenges in their first year in the NFL. The speed and physicality of the game are unlike anything they have experienced before, and they must adjust quickly to be successful.In addition to the physical challenges, rookie running backs must also adjust to the mental aspect of the NFL. They must learn complex offensive schemes and pass protections while also adjusting to the speed of the game.Despite these challenges, the best rookie running backs of 2014 were able to overcome them and have a significant impact on their teams.

The Importance of Rookie Running Backs in Today's NFL

Rookie running backs play a critical role in today's NFL. With the increasing emphasis on the passing game, having a talented running back who can make plays both on the ground and through the air is essential.Rookie running backs also provide teams with a cost-effective option at the position. With the rookie salary cap in place, teams can get a talented player at a fraction of the cost of a veteran running back.The emergence of talented rookie running backs in 2014 highlights the importance of finding and developing young talent at the position.

The Legacy of 2014's Best Rookie Running Backs: Where Are They Now?

Jeremy Hill, Tre Mason, and Devonta Freeman have all established themselves as top running backs in the league since their breakout seasons in 2014. Hill has continued to be a dominant force for the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for over 1,100 yards in each of his first two seasons.Mason has struggled with injuries since his rookie season but has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. Freeman has become one of the top dual-threat running backs in the league, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 and leading the league in total touchdowns in 2015 and 2016.Andre Williams and Isaiah Crowell have both struggled to maintain their success since their breakout rookie seasons. Williams was released by the Giants in 2016 and has since bounced around the league, while Crowell signed with the New York Jets in 2018 after spending four seasons with the Cleveland Browns.Despite the ups and downs of their careers, the legacy of the best rookie running backs of 2014 lives on. Their impact on their teams and the league as a whole serves as a reminder of the importance of finding and developing young talent at the position.

Best Rookie Running Backs 2014

Point of View

The 2014 NFL draft class produced some impressive rookie running backs. These players burst onto the scene and made an immediate impact on their teams. In my opinion, the best rookie running backs of 2014 were:1. Jeremy Hill - Cincinnati Bengals2. Tre Mason - St. Louis Rams3. Bishop Sankey - Tennessee TitansThese three players showed a combination of speed, power, and agility that made them stand out from the rest of the rookie class. They also demonstrated excellent vision and instincts, allowing them to find holes in the defense and make big plays.

Pros and Cons

Jeremy Hill

Pros: Strong runner with excellent balance and power. Can break tackles and fight for extra yards. Good at catching passes out of the backfield.
Cons: Can be inconsistent at times. Has had some off-field issues in the past.

Tre Mason

Pros: Explosive runner with great speed and quickness. Can make defenders miss in the open field. Good at catching passes and returning kicks.
Cons: Can struggle to find running lanes at times. Needs to improve his pass protection skills.

Bishop Sankey

Pros: Versatile runner with good speed and agility. Can catch passes and contribute on special teams. Carries the ball securely.
Cons: Can struggle to break tackles and pick up tough yards. Needs to work on his pass protection skills.

Comparison Table

Player	Team	Rushing Yards	Rushing Touchdowns	Receiving Yards	Receiving Touchdowns
Jeremy Hill	Cincinnati Bengals	1,124	9	215	1
Tre Mason	St. Louis Rams	765	4	148	0
Bishop Sankey	Tennessee Titans	569	2	133	0

In conclusion, the 2014 NFL draft class produced some talented rookie running backs, but Jeremy Hill, Tre Mason, and Bishop Sankey were the cream of the crop. Each player had their strengths and weaknesses, but all three showed promise for a bright future in the league.

The Best Rookie Running Backs of 2014

Thank you for reading our article on the best rookie running backs of 2014. We hope that you found this piece informative and that it provided you with some insight into the top performers from that season.

As you know, the NFL is a league that is always changing, and each year we see new players emerge and make a name for themselves. The 2014 season was no different, and there were several rookie running backs who stood out from the pack.

In this article, we highlighted ten of the best rookie running backs from the 2014 season. We looked at their stats, their performances, and their potential for the future. We also provided some analysis and insight into what made each player special.

One thing that became clear as we researched these players is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating rookies. Each player has his own strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to look at them in context.

For example, some of the players on our list had impressive numbers but struggled with injuries or consistency. Others may not have put up huge stats, but they showed promise and potential for the future.

So, without further ado, let's recap the ten best rookie running backs of 2014:

First on our list is Jeremy Hill, who had an outstanding rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hill rushed for over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns, making him one of the most productive backs in the league. He was also named to the Pro Bowl and earned a spot on the All-Rookie team.

Next up is Tre Mason, who burst onto the scene with the St. Louis Rams. Mason emerged as the team's starter in the second half of the season and finished with 765 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also set a franchise record for most rushing yards by a rookie in a single game.

Another standout rookie from 2014 was Carlos Hyde of the San Francisco 49ers. Hyde had a solid season, rushing for 333 yards and four touchdowns. He also showed his versatility as a receiver, catching 12 passes for 68 yards.

Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons also had an impressive rookie campaign, finishing with 248 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also caught 30 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability as a dual-threat back.

The New York Giants had their own rookie sensation in Andre Williams, who rushed for 721 yards and seven touchdowns. Williams was a workhorse for the Giants, carrying the ball 217 times and averaging 3.3 yards per carry.

Treasure Coast High School alum, Storm Johnson, played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. Johnson rushed for 86 yards on 29 carries and one touchdown.

Jerick McKinnon of the Minnesota Vikings also had a solid rookie season, rushing for 538 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown.

Lache Seastrunk of the Washington Redskins was another rookie running back to keep an eye on in 2014. Although he only had 19 carries for 82 yards, he showed flashes of potential and could be a key player for the team in the future.

Bishop Sankey of the Tennessee Titans was a highly-touted prospect coming out of college, and he showed glimpses of his talent during his rookie season. Sankey rushed for 569 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 18 passes for 133 yards.

Last but not least, we have Isaiah Crowell of the Cleveland Browns. Crowell proved to be a steal for the Browns as an undrafted free agent, rushing for 607 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 87 yards.

So there you have it, ten of the best rookie running backs from the 2014 season. Each player had his own unique story and career path, but they all showed promise and potential for the future.

As we look ahead to the 2021 NFL season, it's always interesting to see which rookies will emerge and make a name for themselves. Will we see another Jeremy Hill or Tre Mason? Only time will tell.

Once again, thank you for reading our article on the best rookie running backs of 2014. We hope that you enjoyed it and that it provided you with some insight into the top performers from that season.