NFL legend Adrian Peterson names best running back in league

NFL legend Adrian Peterson has picked Bijan Robinson as the league’s best running back on a “pound-for-pound” basis, putting the Atlanta Falcons star atop his list. Peterson made the comments in a conversation with Jordan Schultz after being asked to rank his top five at the position. Robinson came in at No. 1, followed by Jonathan Taylor, Kenneth Walker, Derrick Henry, and Jahmyr Gibbs. Peterson praised Robinson as a “special player,” citing his vision, explosiveness, and ability to make defenders miss, even comparing some of his cutting to Peterson’s own style. Through five games in 2026, Robinson leads with 580 rushing yards on 102 carries (5.7 YPC), four rushing TDs, and 21 missed tackles forced, per PFF.