They break away for big carries, catch passes, throw blocks, and pound the ball on second-and-short.
The pool of available running backs and fullbacks has been largely depleted by players re-signing with their old teams. A few difference-makers remain, however, which could prove helpful for teams looking to upgrade their backfield.
Check back tomorrow for our quarterback rankings or view our previous rankings for receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, and specialists.
Running backs
Americans
1) Don Jackson, Calgary Stampeders
The 26-year-old’s rushing numbers dipped in 2019, but he remains one of the league’s best receivers out of the backfield.
2) C.J. Gable, Edmonton Eskimos
The eight-year veteran is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in Edmonton, though his age (32) will limit his options.
3) Cameron Marshall, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The 28-year-old played in just four games last season, but made the most of those appearances by averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
4) Jeremiah Johnson, Montreal Alouettes
The power-rusher ran for a career-high of six yards-per-carry in eleven games in 2019, though he will soon turn 33.
5) Tyrell Sutton, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The eight-year veteran ran for more than 80 yards in three of his six games with Hamilton, including the Grey Cup.
Best of the rest: Terry Williams, Calgary Stampeders; Chris Rainey, Toronto Argonauts; Marcus Thigpen, Free Agent; Mossis Madu, Ottawa Redblacks; Martese Jackson, Edmonton Eskimos; Romar Morris, Calgary Stampeders
Nationals
1) Anthony Coombs, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The former first-round draft pick recorded 314 yards from scrimmage on 57 touches in 2019, also scoring two touchdowns.
2) Greg Morris, Free Agent
The 27-year-old had 25 offensive touches for 155 yards with Ottawa last season, though he has since been released.
Fullbacks
Americans
None
Nationals
1) Calvin McCarty, Edmonton Eskimos
The 13-year veteran continues to perform consistently, though his age (35) will limit his interest on the open market.
