All Access Football Report: Running Backs En Vogue; Texans Stack Blue-Chips
A busy week on the open market for NFL running backs, plus a look at the Texans blueprint for team building, notes from the CFL, UFL and ELF, along with our world famous AAF power rankings.
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NFL RUNNING BACK MARKET HEATS UP IN JUNE
It was an extremely busy week for running backs who remained on the open market. While there are very few ‘bell-cow’ running backs in the modern day NFL, the position carries renowned value, as most teams utilize a handful of runners to maximize the overall effectiveness. Hence, it comes to no surprise that teams were seeking to find late value on the open market with several prominent players who could make an impact in 2025. Here’s a look:
TEXANS CONTINUE TO STOCKPILE WITH ADDITION OF CHUBB
The ‘Patriot Way’ phrase hasn’t been uttered in quite some time but the philosophy isn’t entirely dead yet. Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio was a member of that New England dynasty, which roughly began upon his arrival as a Patriots personnel assistant in 2001 and ran through 2019, a timeframe in which they won six Super Bowls. During that span, New England would often take former first round draft busts, or high round picks that didn’t pan out elsewhere and import them to Foxborough, where the coaches would tap into their promising potential.
Players are drafted high for a reason, right? Many times due to athletic traits such as size and speed, two characteristics that can’t be coached, other times it can be based on pedigree or production. Constantly scouring the waiver wire and leaving no stone unturned lies Caserio, whose Texans’ roster now employs eight first round picks and 16 second round picks. The latest signing came this week, inking Nick Chubb (photo: Houston Texans) to a one-year, $2.5M deal.
An All Pro as recently as 2022 and third all-time leading rusher in Cleveland Browns history, trailing only Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly, the rugged Chubb suffered a torn ACL and damaged MCL in 2023, which would keep him out halfway until the 2024 season. Still finding his way back to form, Chubb was a shell of himself during the final eight games of the 2024 regular season, gaining 332 rushing yards and averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. However, Houston is hopeful that the 29-year old can bounce back to his old form. It’s a low risk, high reward type of signing.
With 24 of the potential 53 roster spots (45%) likely to be filled by players who were chosen in the first or second round of the draft, the Texans are stacking chips! Should they get hot down the stretch again, this will be one team that no one wants to face come playoff time. The AFC is littered with heavyweights such as Kansas City, Baltimore and Buffalo. Yet, Houston is rarely mentioned with the elitists.
From this point forward, they will be. The talent runs deeps through the heart of Texas!
DOBBINS SET TO HEAT UP DENVER OFFENSE
It’s not often that NFL teams find their starting running back in June but that just might be the case for the Denver Broncos, as they signed JK Dobbins to a one-year, $5.2M contract. Dobbins was able to appear in 13 games a year ago for the Chargers, the most since his rookie season, proving to be productive, when healthy. Staying on the field has been a hindrance for the former Ravens second round pick. Per reports, the two sides had been in contact since March. With the signing of Dobbins, Denver has officially transformed their backfield, as they also invested a second round pick in RJ Harvey out of UCF in this year’s draft. Rounding out the roster will be Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin.
SAINTS FORM BACKFIELD BY COMMITTEE
Veteran running back Cam Akers will join his fifth NFL franchise in as many seasons, as he agreed to a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. A serviceable back, Akers can provide depth behind Alvin Kamara. New Orleans had anticipated that Kendre Miller would be able to play that role but he was only able to appear in six games last season. The Saints also selected Devin Neal out of Kansas in the sixth round of this year’s draft. In what could be a lost season, Miller and Neal could get extended looks late in the season once New Orleans is officially eliminated from playoff contention.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: For those interested in the history of the NFL, be sure to check out this exhilarating debate surrounding the top 10 list of greatest all-time running backs.
DC TAKES HOME UFL TITLE; LEAGUE NUMBERS DOWN
Congratulations to the DC Defenders for conquering the Michigan Panthers, en route to a 58-34 victory to take home the UFL Championship. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was named MVP, completing 21-of-27 passes, for 390 yards and four touchdowns (zero interceptions), while providing an additional score via the ground. It is glaringly obvious that Defenders GM Von Hutchins (pictured) is a shrewd talent evaluator who was playing chess during the regular season, while others were playing checkers. Clearly, his in-season acquisitions, plus his ability to adapt and adjust is what guided DC to the title. Way to work!
As for the UFL season synopsis, overall attendance and tv ratings were down from last season, according to Sports Business Journal. The UFL completed 43 games, averaging 645,000 viewers in 2025, down from 812,000 in 2024, while seven of the league’s eight home markets had their average attendance drop, with a league-wide average of 13,512 fans per game. While expansion has been a hot topic, the UFL needs to tread lightly, as adding more teams could lead them to bankruptcy. There are numerous ways to grow the UFL (too many to list). For those UFL decision-makers reading this, All Access Football would welcome the opportunity to help stabilize and grow this great league, please contact Ric. (photo: @abdulmemon2)
UFL TO NFL SIGNINGS ALREADY UNDERWAY
With all UFL players eligible to sign NFL contracts, the signings have already begun! Amongst the first transactions include the Atlanta Falcons agreeing to terms with running back Jashaun Corbin of the San Antonio Brahmas and the New York Jets adding kicker Harrison Mevis of the Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions have also released cornerback Mario Goodrich, in order for him to sign with an NFL team. (photo: @The_UFM)
CFL NOTEBOOK: ARGOS SHIP SINKING EARLY
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers came out with a vengeance during their season opener win over the BC Lions 34-20. Despite starting quarterback Zach Collaros being suspended for the first game of the year and CFL MOP Brady Oliveira going down to injury, Winnipeg rallied behind some familiar faces. Backup Chris Streveler tossed three touchdowns, including two to Nic Demski, while running back Matthew Peterson exploded for a 38 touchdown scamper on his first career carry. Peterson would finish with 130 rushing yards on the night, including an impressive 88 yards after contact. Meanwhile, Oliveira could miss several weeks with a shoulder injury. As for BC, quarterback Nathan Rourke would leave the game with an oblique injury. His status for this week is unknown but he was listed as ‘limited’ during Tuesday’s practice.
With Ottawa starting quarterback Dru Brown out due to a hip injury that occurred in Week 1, the Montreal Alouettes easily handled the Redblacks 39-18, behind the leg of Jose Carlos-Matos, who was a perfect six-for-six on field goal attempts, including a long of 50 yards. Montreal signal-caller Davis Alexander set a new career-high with 344 passing yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. Montreal looks to have a top-notch defense, which was too much for Redblacks quarterback Matthew Shlitz who threw three interceptions. Should Brown miss the Redblacks Week 3 matchup against the Stampeders, Ottawa could look to turn to backup Dustin Crum.
In somewhat of a surprising training camp cut, the Toronto Argonauts cut quarterback Cameron Dukes. The move might be coming back to bite them. While Nick Arbuckle was the right person for the moment during lastyear’s Grey Cup run, Dukes was actually the better quarterback. Now, Toronto sits at 0-2 headed into a matchup with 2-0 Saskatchewan and Chad Kelly is expected to miss yet another start. It’s a long season but not an ideal start for the defending champs. The Argos added former Elks running back Kevin Brown on Tuesday to help bolster their backfield. Meanwhile, Calgary signal-caller Vernon Adams Jr. (photo: Calgary Stampeders) has jumped out to an early lead in the clubhouse for MOP after carving up the Argos this past weekend. Adams completed 17-of-25 passes, for 301 yards, making several clutch connections throughout the game. He did even more damage on the ground, with three rushing first downs and one score. Lookout for the upstart Stampeders!
The red-hot Roughriders are in overdrive, led by Trevor Harris, who had another efficient game, plus the ground and pound duo of AJ Ouellette and newly signed Ka’Deem Carey. Saskatchewan took care of business, handing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats their second loss of the season, 28-23. The Jolly Green Giants are thriving off Corey Mace, who just might be the best head coach north of the border. Meanwhile, Hamilton continues to find their way in what could become a rebuilding year with upcoming games versus Montreal and at Toronto…they desperately need a victory. In other news, the Tiger-Cats signed journeyman quarterback Jake Dolegala this past week, while adding former Clemson wideout Joseph Ngata to the practice roster.
ELF SET TO EXPAND WITH INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
There was blockbuster news for the league across the pond this past week! The European League of Football announced that it will be expanding due to an influx of investment. The ELF has secured $10M in funding through three new strategic investors: Goal Line Sports LLC (New York), 885 Capital Limited (Dubai) and Oakvale Ventures Limited LLC (London).
Now in its fifth season, the ELF features 16 teams from nine countries. A total of 101 games are broadcast via more than 20 media partners around the world - including in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe.
It has yet to be announced where the new teams will be located but the transaction brings tremendous excitement for football enthusiasts, especially in Europe, as the ELF has created a strong foundation to build upon. While attendance fluctuates, there is clearly a market of thirsty fans who crave more football. Earlier this season, the Rhein Fire drew over 20,000 fans. Others, such as the Frankfurt Galaxy and Vienna Vikings have drawn more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
Want to follow the action? Watch every game live through the ELF Game Pass on DAZN.
NFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM
Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Buffalo Bills
Washington Commanders
Houston Texans
Los Angeles Chargers
Detroit Lions
Denver Broncos
NFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Josh Allen, Bills
Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Matthew Stafford, Rams
Jayden Daniels, Commanders
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Brock Purdy, 49ers
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
UFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
DC Defenders (8-4)
Michigan Panthers (7-5)
Birmingham Stallions (7-4)
St. Louis Battlehawks (8-3)
Arlington Renegades (5-5)
Houston Roughnecks (5-5)
Memphis Showboats (2-8)
San Antonio Brahmas (1-9)
UFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Bryce Perkins, Michigan
Jordan Ta’amu, DC
Luis Perez, Arlington
Matt Corrall, Birmingham
J’Mar Smith, Birmingham
Max Duggan, St. Louis
Jalan McClendon, Houston
Danny Etling, Michigan
Dresser Winn, Memphis
Kellen Mond, San Antonio
CFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Montreal Alouettes (2-0)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0)
Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0)
Toronto Argonauts (0-2)
Calgary Stampeders (2-0)
BC Lions (1-1)
Hamilton Tiger Cats (0-2)
Ottawa Redblacks (0-2)
Edmonton Elks (0-1)
Atlantic Schooners (Make It Happen!)
CFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Chad Kelly, Toronto
Vernon Adams Jr., Calgary
Nathan Rourke, BC
Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton
Trevor Harris, Saskatchewan
Zach Collaros, Winnipeg
Dru Brown, Ottawa
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Montreal
Davis Alexander, Montreal
Cody Fajardo, Edmonton
ELF POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Vienna Vikings (4-0)
Nordic Storm (4-0)
Munich Ravens (3-1)
Stuttgart Surge (3-1)
Frankfurt Galaxy (3-2)
Wroclaw Panthers (2-2)
Madrid Bravos (3-2)
Raiders Tirol (3-2)
Rhein Fire (2-2)
Madrid Bravos (3-2)
ELF QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Reid Sinnett, Madrid
Jakeb Sullivan, Berlin
Jadrian Clark, Nordic
Matthew McKay, Frankfurt
Reilly Hennessey, Stuttgart
DJ Irons, Wroclaw
Russell Tabor, Munich
Ben Holmes, Vienna
Isaiah Weed, Helvetic
Jaylon Henderson, Paris
IFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Quad City Steamwheelers (9-2)
Bay Area Panthers (8-2)
Tulsa Oilers (7-4)
Green Bay Blizzard (8-3)
Jacksonville Sharks (7-4)
Arizona Rattlers (7-4)
San Diego Strike Force (7-4)
Vegas Knight Hawks (6-5)
Massachusetts Pirates (5-5)
Tuscon Sugar Skulls (4-6)
IFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
TJ Edwards, Tulsa
Max Meylor, Green Bay
Dalton Sneed, Arizona
James Cahoon, Iowa
Nate Davis, San Diego
Josh Jones, Bay Area
Kenji Bahar, Massachusetts
Kaleb Barker, Jacksonville
Jorge Reyna, Tuscan
Daquan Neal, Quad City
AF1 POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Albany Firebirds (10-0)
SW Kansas Storm (7-5)
Nashville Kats (6-4)
Salina Liberty (6-5)
Billings Outlaws (6-6)
Oregon Lightning (5-8)
Corpus Christi Tritons (3-7)
Washington Wolfpack (2-10)
AF1 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Jalen Morten, SW Kansas
Sam Castranova, Albany
Malik Henry, Billings
Fred Payton, Corpus Christi
Tyler Kulka, Nashville
Rakeem Cato, Salina
Dalton Cole, Oregon
Javin Kilgo, Salina
Adam Kruse, Washington
Robert McCoy, Albany
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ABOUT RIC SERRITELLA || Renowned for founding the NFL Draft Bible in 2002, Ric Serritella rapidly became recognized by all 32 NFL teams. Previously, he has served as an advanced scout for the Edmonton Elks in 2024, an advanced scout for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from 2019-23, served as scouting director for the College Gridiron Showcase from 2018-19, and interned with the New England Patriots in 2001. In addition, Serritella has provided his consulting services to the HUB Football CAMP and Fan Controlled Football. An early adopter of technology in scouting, Serritella produced the first-ever livestream video show and live podcast from the NFL Draft. Shows that he has produced include The T.Ocho Show With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, Mike & The Mad Dog Show With Mike Francesa and Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo and ESPN Hollywood. He was awarded the inaugural Johnson & Wales University Sports Entertainment and Event Management Success Board Achievement Award in 2009 and remains a trailblazer in the draft sector.
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