Christian McCaffrey is the blueprint for the modern NFL running back, elusive, explosive, and just as dangerous catching passes as he is taking handoffs. But long before CMC was terrorizing linebackers and living in the end zone, there were other backs who, in the right era, could’ve done the same.
This list highlights 15 former running backs whose skill sets would make them absolute stars in today’s game. Whether it’s their versatility, receiving chops, or just that all-purpose electricity, these guys were built for the modern NFL; they just showed up a little too early.
15. Tiki Barber
Barber was a dual-threat menace before it was trendy, racking up over 2,000 scrimmage yards in multiple seasons. Put him in today’s spread offenses, and he’d be catching 80 passes a year with ease.
14. Charlie Garner
Garner had that shifty, explosive style that would thrive in a zone-blocking scheme with screens galore. He caught nearly 100 passes in a season once. Imagine what he’d do now with motion-heavy playbooks.
13. Priest Holmes
Holmes was already a fantasy football legend in the early 2000s, but with today’s spacing and passing volume, his numbers might look even wilder. He could do it all: run inside, bounce outside, and catch passes like a slot receiver.
12. Marshall Faulk
Faulk basically walked so McCaffrey could run. His blend of elite vision, receiving ability, and football IQ would make him an even bigger weapon in the modern NFL.
11. Roger Craig
Craig was the original prototype, becoming the first player to hit 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Today, that kind of versatility is not just valued; it’s required.
10. Brian Westbrook
Westbrook had the smooth hands and elite balance that scream “modern third-down back,” except he was also a legit RB1. On a team like today’s 49ers or Dolphins, he’d be a matchup nightmare.
9. Warrick Dunn
Dunn’s combination of shiftiness, pass-catching, and vision would fit perfectly in today’s RPO-heavy, outside-zone systems. He could have been a McCaffrey clone with a bit more volume.
8. LaDainian Tomlinson
LT already looked futuristic in his time, and today’s offensive minds would just find even more ways to get him the ball. He was basically a McCaffrey with better touchdown celebrations.
7. Joe Washington
Small, quick, and deceptively powerful, Washington was ahead of his time as a receiving back. His game would explode in an era that lives off short passes and open space.
6. Reggie Bush
Bush was electric in college and never quite hit those same heights in the NFL, but today’s creative play-callers would’ve unlocked all of him. In 2025, he’d be motioned everywhere and lined up out wide every other snap.
5. Ricky Watters
Watters was a tough runner who also had real route-running chops and soft hands. He could line up all over the field and would be used like Deebo Samuel and McCaffrey combined.
4. Thurman Thomas
Thomas was an all-purpose back before that became an official job title. With today’s spread offenses, his receiving numbers would skyrocket.
3. Ahman Green
Green had speed, power, and the ability to house a screen pass from anywhere on the field. With modern spacing, he’d be breaking off chunk plays weekly.
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2. Ricky Williams
Williams had more power than finesse, but he had underrated hands and surprising agility. Today’s offenses would use him like a souped-up workhorse with a reliable set of mitts.
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1. Marcus Allen
Allen had patience, vision, and versatility in spades. He was doing McCaffrey-like things in the ‘80s. If you dropped him into a Shanahan offense today, he’d look like the best player on the field.
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