Texans RB Dameon Pierce: 'Top Tier' By 2024?

An AFC executive predicts Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce will be among the best at his position in 2024, despite being left off this year's top-10 list.

The running back position is at perhaps its lowest point in quite some time. The game of modern era football has always been pass over run, but lately it seems like even the best running backs in the league aren't getting enough respect.

Free agent running back Melvin Gordon spoke on "The Jim Rome Show" about the current state of his positional peers.

"It's so tough for running backs right now, man," Gordon said. "You have a lot of running backs that's out there and we just don't get no love. It's literally the worst position to play in the NFL right now. It literally sucks."

ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler compiled rankings made by execs, coaches, scouts and players of the top-10 members of the unsung position. He included a few honorable mentions as well.

1. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
2. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
3. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
4. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
6. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
7. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
8. Dalvin Cook, free agent
9. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
10. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce was listed as the second honorable mention, despite being a fourth-round rookie last season.

"Pierce made the Texans' offense watchable as an explosive rookie back," Fowler said. "He was on pace for 1,200-plus yards before a late-season injury ended his year; he finished with 939 yards and four touchdowns. 'Will be a top-tier guy by next year,' an AFC executive said. 'Power, vision, lots of YAC, tough to bring down, tough guy -- unless they run him into the ground.'"

Pierce finished his rookie campaign fifth in yards after contact (506), fourth in broken tackles (27) and he broke a tackle every eight rushing attempts (second-best in the NFL). He was one of just three players in the NFL to average more yards after contact (2.3) than before it (2.0).

Now entering year two, Pierce is eager to improve.

"I just want to be a difference on the field when you see me play," Pierce said. "In terms of my development, my maturity on the field, and I just want to be a better ball player than I was last year. I just want to keep improving and keep climbing."

The Texans offensive line was actually among the better half of the league in the sacks allowed department. Adding rookie second-round center Juice Scruggs should hopefully extend the amount of gaps Pierce can run through each game.

If Pierce continues to rapidly develop throughout the upcoming season, it would be very surprising if he's left off the 2024 top-10 list.

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You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver

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