The Best NFL Running Backs by Yards After Contact
by Patrick Catterall,
October 21, 2025
The latest rushing stats from the 2025 NFL season reveal which backs are doing the most damage after first contact, and it’s Jonathan Taylor setting the pace.
Through Week 7, the Colts’ star has amassed 330 yards after contact, outmuscling defenders to reclaim his crown as one of football’s most punishing runners.
Top 8 Running Backs by Yards After Contact
| Rank | Player | Team | Yards After Contact (YACON) | YACON / ATT | Broken Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | 330 | 2.5 | 13 |
| 2 | Javonte Williams | DAL | 324 | 2.9 | 8 |
| 3 | Bijan Robinson* | ATL | 283 | 2.9 | 11 |
| 4 | De’Von Achane | MIA | 278 | 3.1 | 8 |
| 5 | Josh Jacobs | GB | 218 | 2.0 | 4 |
| 6 | Christian McCaffrey | SF | 184 | 1.4 | 9 |
| 7 | Cam Skattebo | NYG | 165 | 1.7 | 4 |
| 8 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | 112 | 1.1 | 3 |
*Bijan Robinson has played one fewer game (6) than most players listed (7).
**Data sourced from publicly available advanced rushing statistics.
Taylor’s Return to Power
Taylor’s 330 yards after contact and 2.5 yards after contact per attempt separate him from the pack. His blend of lower-body strength and balance has been pivotal for an Indianapolis offense.
Just behind him, Javonte Williams has rediscovered his burst in Dallas, averaging an even higher 2.9 yards after contact per carry. Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson ranks third, and notably, he’s done it in one fewer game than any other player in the top eight.
A New Mix of Power and Speed
Beyond the usual bruisers, the emergence of De’Von Achane at No. 4 underscores how explosive speed can still create elite after-contact numbers. His 3.1 YACON per carry leads the group, despite being one of the league’s lighter backs.
Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey remains the benchmark for versatility. Though his 1.4 yards after contact per attempt trails the power runners, his dual-threat output keeps San Francisco’s offense balanced.
Cam Skattebo, a rising star in New York, also cracks the top seven thanks to efficient contact balance and a growing workload.
What the Numbers Reveal
While team context always matters, yards after contact strips away blocking influence and spotlights individual drive and leg power.