Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been one of the most productive players in the NFL in recent years, yet nobody talks about him as one of the best backs in the league. Maybe it's because his play style isn't flashy. Maybe it's because he plays in a small market. Either way, the lack of respect that Conner receives is baffling.
At least one analyst has taken notice of Conner's play with the Cardinals.
James Conner ranked 8th among NFL running backs by PFF
PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema recently ranked the top 32 running backs in the NFL. James Conner was put in the 8th slot.
It's hard to argue with the backs that Sikkema placed ahead of Conner. Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, and Jahmyr Gibbs are all elite backs. Josh Jacobs and Bucky Irving shined last year. But James Conner fully deserves the respect he received by being placed 8th.
James Conner started off his career in relative anonymity. The former Steelers third-round pick hardly saw the field as a rookie in 2017. In his four seasons in Pittsburgh, Conner was never given the keys as the long-term starter. When he left for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, things began to change.
In four seasons with the Cardinals, James Conner has amassed over 3,500 rushing yards and 45 total touchdowns. He's been a receiving threat as well, hauling in at least 35 catches in three of his four years in Arizona.
As Sikkema mentions in his rankings, "Conner’s 92.1 cumulative PFF rushing grade over the past three years is tied for fifth best in the league."
Over the last five years, James Conner ranks 8th among all players in the NFL in rushing yards. He's ahead of more popular backs like Christian McCaffrey and Nick Chubb. Conner has been playing at a high level consistently for the majority of his career.
He's not flashy. He doesn't have elite speed, size, or explosiveness. But he runs as hard as anybody in the league, and he can break a tackle from any defender.
James Conner's time as the Arizona Cardinals' starting running back may come to an end soon. He's 30 years old, and former third-round pick Trey Benson is waiting in the wings. This season may be Conner's last in a full-time starting role. Even if it is, he deserves to be appreciated for the consistency he's brought to this team.