Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has been named Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) Best Runner for the 2024 NFL season, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s most dominant forces. Even in the year Saquon Barkley hit the rare 2,000-yard milestone, Henry’s unmatched physicality and efficiency earned him the top spot.
This isn’t just another trophy for Henry’s mantle—it’s a statement. The 31-year-old running back defied expectations this season, proving age is just a number while carrying the Ravens to an AFC North title with his bruising, relentless running style.
Not even Saquon Barkley could come for the King in PFF's best runner award
Let’s not downplay the competition. Saquon Barkley’s season was historic—his 2,005 rushing yards made him just the ninth player in NFL history to crack the 2,000-yard barrier. But PFF’s analysts saw past the raw totals to the more nuanced aspects of running back play, and Henry shined in nearly every advanced metric.
Henry’s 93.1 PFF rushing grade was the best among all running backs, edging Barkley’s 85.6. He also led the league in yards after contact per attempt (3.50 to Barkley’s 3.17) and forced missed tackles per attempt (0.25 to 0.18). In other words, Henry wasn’t just productive—he was flat-out unstoppable, even against some of the league’s toughest defenses.
What makes Henry’s season even more impressive is the context. This was his first year in Baltimore after eight seasons in Tennessee. New team, new offense, new concepts? No problem. Henry’s ability to adjust to more power and pull-lead runs helped Baltimore become the first team in NFL history to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season.
At 31, Henry has officially entered what many call the twilight of a running back’s career. For most backs, production starts to dip. But for Henry, it’s just another chapter of dominance. His 1,137 yards after contact alone were better than most running backs’ total rushing yards, and his consistency was off the charts—Henry didn’t earn a single game grade below 60.0 all season.
In the end, PFF’s Best Runner award serves as a testament to Derrick Henry’s greatness—though for some, it may have come as a surprise. After all, Barkley’s 2,000-yard season grabbed plenty of headlines, and he ran behind the league’s top-ranked offensive line. But Henry’s dominance in more challenging conditions, paired with his ability to churn out extra yards after contact and bulldoze defenders, made all the difference.
For Ravens fans, this award is both validation and a bonus. The King didn’t just live up to expectations—he crushed them. And with the playoffs looming, Henry’s performance reminds everyone that no matter the opponent, Baltimore’s ground game is built to leave a mark.
