What about Bob?

A very, very thin group here, which makes it all the more imperative for the Giants that the top-ranked runner is taken off this list by the time free agency begins on Feb. 27.

1. Brandon Jacobs, Giants. Is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and has every intention of re-signing with the Giants. The Giants do not plan to let him get to free agency, so chances are he'll be off the market very shortly.

(UPDATE: To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Giants did their part to insure Jacobs goes nowhere by designating him as their "franchise" player this afternoon. It's a precursor to a long-term deal that will keep Jacobs in a Giants' uniform for several more years.)

2. Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers. Did a very nice job in place of the injured LaDainian Tomlinson, and the Chargers would like to retain him. But Sproles plans to hit the open market, and he'll certainly get some action. The one downside: At only 5-6, 181 pounds, Sproles is considered too small to be an every-down back on a long-term basis. Has tremendous return skills.

(UPDATE: The Chargers have placed the franchise tag on Sproles, which means he'll almost certainly be in a Chargers uniform for at least the 2009 season.)

3. Derrick Ward, Giants. The "Wind" in "Earth, Wind & Fire," Ward had an exceptional season in 2008, getting over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. The Giants want to re-sign him, but it won't be easy with Jacobs also needing a new contract. A very shifty runner who will be attractive to several teams if he hits the market.

4. Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks. A former backup to Shaun Alexander, Morris has been a generally solid player, although the Seahawks didn't see him as a No. 1 tailback, having brought in Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett last season. Not a bad value as a backup with the ability to fill in as a starter when necessary.

5. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts. Rhodes is viewed mostly as a complementary running back, and probably won't draw any attention as a starter. But he has performed well for the Colts, and might want to return as Joseph Addai's understudy.

6. Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins. It's been a long, strange trip for the former first-round pick. A bust in New Orleans, he has managed to resurrect his career despite repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. He'll be 32 in May, but doesn't have much wear-and-tear because of his infrequent use in recent seasons.

7. J.J. Arrington, Arizona Cardinals. Mostly viewed as a third-down back and solid kick returner.

8. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals signed him on the cheap after Benson was kicked out of Chicago for repeated alcohol-related problems. A bit of a risk, but still has plenty of talent.

9. Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia Eagles. Has been a steady backup to Brian Westbrook, but isn't a guy to carry the load full-time.