3 Running Backs Who Could Break Out With Increased Opportunies in 2019

During every NFL season, there's always a handful of players who come out of nowhere and surprise fans with how much they've improved from the year prior. Last year, we saw Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner pick up right where Le'Veon Bell left off, earning himself a Pro Bowl nod in the process. All he needed was an opportunity to prove himself, something that all backup running backs hope for. With that in mind, let's identify three backfield operators who could be this year's James Conner if they're given the same chance to prove themselves.

1. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

Atlanta Falcons v Green Bay Packers / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Aaron Jones' sophomore campaign was cut short by injury in 2018, leaving him with 728 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns before being place on IR. With new head Coach Matt LeFleur at the controls for Green Bay's offense, Jones should pick up right where he left off. Last season, when LeFleur was the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator, their offense utilized the run game significantly, amassing the seventh-most rushing yards of any team. LeFleur will surely implement the same style in Green Bay, and Aaron Jones should see an increase in production as a result, taking needed heat off Aaron Rodgers.

2. Peyton Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Dallas Cowboys / Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Peyton Barber quietly had a solid season for the Buccaneers in 2018, rushing for 871 yards and 5 touchdowns. As he enters his fourth pro season, he should continue to be the primary guy in the Bucs backfield. New head coach Bruce Arians also has a knack for utilizing his backs in a multitude of ways. He helped turn David Johnson into one of the best offensive threats in the league during his time as the head man in Arizona, so there's no reason to suspect he can't enhance Barber's production this time around.

3. Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions v Miami Dolphins / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Kerryon Johnson emerged as one of the best rookie backs in the NFL in 2018. He averaged a superb 5.4 yards per carry and racked up 641 rushing yards before his season was cut short due to a knee injury. Now that the Lions have former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell in town, the usually pass-happy Detroit offense could see a shift to a more run-first system with Bevell calling the shots. He's known for his ground-and-pound style from his days with the Hawks, and should do what he can to turn Johnson loose on the rest of the NFC North.