Latest running back rankings are proof that the Saints are wasting Alvin Kamara

Anyone that has watched the NFL since 2017 will tell you that New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. The five-time Pro Bowler is an elite runner and is just as good out of the back field as a receiver. Despite his abilities, Kamara’s rank amongst current running backs is at an all-time low after his seventh season.

Former NFL running back and current analyst, Maurice Jones-Drew, recently ranked all 72 running backs that started a game this past season. Kamara came in at No. 30 on the list. There’s no reason that a running back as talented as Alvin Kamara should ever be ranked that low. However, Jones-Drew isn’t at fault for placing Kamara that low; the Saints are the ones in the wrong for wasting Kamara’s talent.

Saints must do a better job of using Alvin Kamara

This season, Alvin Kamara played in 13 games, running the ball 180 times for 694 yards and five touchdowns. Kamara also had 75 receptions for 466 yards and another touchdown. This was the least amount of rushing yards Kamara has ever had in a single season and only the second ever time he averaged less than four yards per carry.

The underwhelming season wasn’t because Kamara is on the decline. The offensive line and the way Kamara was used had more to do with his pedestrian production. The Saints struggled to run the ball in general, regardless of who they were handing the ball off to.

The No. 1-ranked running back on the list was San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffery. McCaffery entered the league the same year as Kamara and the two are often compared because of their similar play styles. However, McCaffery’s abilities are being maximized on an elite team with quality coaching. With Klint Kubiak, San Francisco’s current passing game coordinator, expected to come join the Saints as the new offensive coordinator, maybe Alvin Kamara will remind everyone how elite he is.

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