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It goes without saying that today's NFL features a rather pass-heavy approach on offense. As a result, running backs with receiving skill sets have become a bit of a commodity.
Catching the ball out of the backfield often gives runners much more space to work with which makes it easier for them to shake a defender loose every now and then. Headlining the list of running backs who broke more tackles as a receiver in the 2017 NFL season is New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, per Pro Football Focus:
- Alvin Kamara, 29
- Duke Johnson, 24
- Tarik Cohen, 23
- Theo Riddick, 23
- Todd Gurley, 19
The Saints have always relied heavily on having a solid scatback for quarterback Drew Brees to check down too. This year's edition came in the form of Kamara.
The backfield for New Orleans got off to a slow start to the season as the then-rookie was still waiting for his opportunity to shine. Needless to say, it was not long before he proved to be the biggest steal in the 2017 NFL Draft. Kamara would finish with 728 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. However, his biggest impact came through the air where he registered 826 yards and five touchdowns thanks to his ability to break tackles.
Kamara is pacing some solid company ahead of known receiving backs like Todd Gurley and Theo Riddick. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Tarik Cohen also made the most of his role with the Chicago Bears by becoming involved in the passing game. He managed to fall just six broken tackles shy of Kamara's mark despite seeing far fewer touches out of the backfield.
