Top 10 Running Backs to Collect

1. LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers

LT is the heart of the Chargers and the quintessential do-everything back. He can run, catch and even throw, and his dissection of opposing defenses during the first part of the 21st Century have already made him a lock to make the Hall of Fame at the end of his playing days.

Though he's proven to be capable of carrying a heavy workload, Tomlinson began to show some signs of wear and tear during the 2007 season. That means there's no time like the present to appreciate his talent and get on board with his cards.

2. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

Few players hit the hobby as hard as Peterson did as a rookie in 2007. He broke the single game NFL rushing record by racking up 296 yards against the Chargers and almost singlehandedly brought excitement back to the Minnesota offense.

Nicknamed AD for "All Day," Peterson's blend of power and breakaway speed can make him look like a man among boys. But he's had a history of injury problems and runs with a straightforward style that some fear will lead to a shortened career. Regardless, he's got collectors anxious to see what he'll do next.

3. Darren McFadden - Oakland Raiders

After showing off his versatility and big play ability at Arkansas, McFadden already has Raiders fans comparing him to the two men ahead of him on this list. That may be a tall task, but this two-time Heisman Trophy runner up just might have enough talent to pull it off.

McFadden seems like a perfect fit for an Oakland franchise that has a history of backs that includes Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson. With the Raiders' nationwide following hungry for new stars, it won't take much success at the NFL level for his cards to heat up quickly.

Darren McFadden Rookie Card Checklist

4. Steven Jackson - St. Louis Rams

Though two-back rotations are currently in vogue in the NFL, Jackson is a workhorse in the classic mold. He's a power back who also has surprisingly nimble feet, and his hands are soft enough that he's already recorded a 90-catch season as a pro.

Jackson's predecessor Marshall Faulk was always a tad underappreciated in the hobby, and the Oregon State product is similar in that regard. But production almost always wins collectors' hearts in the long run, and if Jackson can avoid the injury bug, he should continue to put up impressive numbers.

5. Marshawn Lynch - Buffalo Bills

The Bills have been searching for a franchise back since the days of Thurman Thomas, and they may finally have their man in Lynch. As a rookie in 2007, he ran for over 1100 yards in just 13 games.

Lynch has the ability to wear down opposing defenses and the potential to be a receiving threat as well. He has had some injury problems and off-field issues, but if he can steer clear of those obstacles, there's nothing standing in his way of becoming one of the NFL's best for years to come.

6. Reggie Bush - New Orleans Saints

A Heisman Trophy winner at USC, Bush electrified college football fans with his speed and open field moves. He excelled at running, receiving and returning kicks and was a legitimate threat to score from anywhere on the field.

In his first two years as a pro, Bush found it difficult to translate that success to the NFL game. Though he's emerged as one of the best receiving backs in the league, he's yet to bust out in the way many expected when the Saints chose him second overall in 2006. He'll always have Heisman collectors on his side, and other fans will give him the benefit of the doubt for at least a few more seasons.

7. Ryan Grant - Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers or Brian Brohm might fill Brett Favre's large shoes as quarterback of the Packers, but Grant may have the best shot at stepping in on the hobby side. A late bloomer who went undrafted out of Notre Dame and was traded to Green Bay in early 2007, he had one of the finest half-seasons ever and opened more eyes with 201 rushing yards in his first playoff game.

Having the Irish and Cheesehead faithful behind him is a recipe for hobby success. If Grant can prove he wasn't just a one-year wonder, the sky's the limit for his cards.

8. Marion Barber - Dallas Cowboys

Love them or hate them, skill position players on the Cowboys often have a high profile among football collectors. Everything seems to be falling into place for Barber to be the latest running back to take advantage of this phenomenon.

Barber opened eyes as a red zone specialist known for breaking tackles and draggling pursuers along for the ride. He's also got speed and good hands, and with the starting job finally his in 2008, he could easily become an even brighter star.

9. Brian Westbrook - Philadelphia Eagles

Philly fans and fantasy football players know how good Westbrook is. The hobby has been a little slower to catch on, but the Villanova product continues to pile up numbers that simply can't be ignored.

Once considered too small to be an every down back, Westbrook shattered that notion in 2007 by rushing for 1200-plus yards and leading the Eagles in receptions. He possesses some of the niftiest moves to evade tacklers in the entire NFL and just may be the most indispensable offensive player on any team.

10. Joseph Addai - Indianapolis Colts

It's hard to make waves among collectors when you play for the same team as Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Still, Addai has performed at a high enough level to make fans budget some money for his cards as well.

Not the flashiest back, Addai's strengths are his consistency and his ability to do whatever is asked of him in the Colts scheme. He could just as easily end up with 100 yards rushing or receiving depending on the opponent, and he has the look of a perennial Pro Bowler.