The last non-quarterback to win the NFL MVP award was Adrian Peterson, who was something special at running back during his prime with the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson was arguably the best running back in the game at the time, and he should know the position about as well as anybody.
Asked by Bleacher Report insider Jordan Schultz who's the best in the league right now, Peterson ranked Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson No. 1.
"Bijan, that kid right there, he's special," said Peterson. "I had kind of been hearing about him. And I made it a point that I was going to start watching him. And when I started watching him, you know, I started getting toward the edge of my seat. Pound for pound, I think he's the best running back in the league right now."
Here's his full top five:
- Bijan Robinson - Falcons
- Jonathan Taylor - Colts
- Kenneth Walker III - Chiefs
- Derrick Henry - Ravens
- Jahmyr Gibbs - Lions
Adrian Peterson reveals who he thinks is the best pound-for-pound RB in the NFL today 👀 https://t.co/waQg32sKHKpic.twitter.com/dmBkJg8nJS
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 14, 2026
Going Into Week 6 Robinson ranks first in the league in rushing yards with 580 - although Walker has played one less game with 537. Robinson's average of 5.7 yards per carry ranks third among running backs behind Walker and Jaylen Warren. He's tied with James Cook III for the second-most first downs (29) in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Adrian Peterson ranks Bijan Robinson best running back in the NFL