2012 NFL Draft: Running Backs

Running backs are becoming a devalued position in the draft cuz of passing offenses and durability issues. Richardson’s the best prospect since C.J. Spiller, maybe even Adrian Peterson. There are some good backs in the 2nd round too. If a running back can be an effective receiver I think it increases their value maybe even by a whole round. For example the biggest difference between Richardson and Ingram last year is Trent’s receiving skills, that and his durability.

1.      Trent Richardson—Alabama—5’9”-228—Top 10—99—Loved this guy since he was a freshman and Ingram won the stiff arm trophy. He’s got everything except home run speed, which doesn’t mean he can’t make big plays. Love his pigeon toes/ bow leggedness, looks like other great NFL backs like MJD and Ray Rice. He’s a phenomenal receiver combined with the body to withstand punishment so he’s gonna be an everydown back which gives him a top 5 grade.

2.      David Wilson—Va. Tech—5’10”-206—Late 1st early 2nd—88—Ran a 4.4 with an 11’ broad and a 41” vert, savage. He’s definitely got a good burst, and he plays with good pad level. Hit a bunch of big ones in college, most of which were the product of huge holes and slow defenders. But he does shed off a lot of tackles. 1700 yards this year with receiving ability to boot. Better prospect than Ryan Williams was last year. Think Arian Foster with more burst.

3.      Doug Martin—Boise St.—5’9”-223—2nd round—87—Plays strong and with good balance, reminds me of Ryan Mathews but without the 4.4 speed. Martin aint slow, but doesn’t quite have the last gear. Good size, likes contact, and can catch the ball. Plays a bit like Mikel Leshoure from last year, but I think Martin’s a better all around player. Can return kicks too.

4.      Lamar Miller—Miami—6’0”-212—2nd round—80—Speedy bastard (4.38). He’s a young-in so lots of tread left on the tires. Explosive return man too. Doesn’t like contact, that combined with bad receiving ability drops him into the 3rd round range for me.

5.      LaMichael James—Oregon—5’8”-194—3rd round/day—78—This years best 3rd down specialist type back. We all saw him tear it up in Oregon’s offense, but he was shut down the few times he played good (SEC) defenses. Belongs in the 3rd round and can give an offense a new weapon (4.38 speed). I think Tampa might wanna give him a look.

6.      Isaiah Pead—Cincinnati—5’10”-197—3rd round/day—75—Nice little scat back. He’s a perfect 3rd down back in the shotgun. 4.4 speed is accurate to how he plays. Good vision, decent hands and makes strong cuts. Just a shade behind LaMichael because he doesn’t make as many big big plays.

7.      Chris Polk—Washington—5’11”-215—3rd round/day—73—NFL ready body. Guy runs a lot like Pierre Thomas aka he’s tough. He was the focal point for UW’s offense and still put up big numbers (3000 yards over the last 2 years). Played at 225, dropped 10 lbs to bring his 40 time into the mid 4.4’s at the combine. Is just a solid running back, a carry eater.

8.      Cyrus Gray—Texas A&M—5’10—206—3rd day—72—Loved watching him the last couple of years. I think he’s a bit underrated. Got some durability concerns and ended up splitting carries at the beginning of last year. He’s a pure running back, great vision and instincts. 4.47 speed aint too shabby only thing is will he get a good opportunity.

9.      Bernard Pierce—Temple—6’0”-218—3rd round/day—70—Timed at 4.5 but plays closer to 4.6. Hugely productive last year (27 TD’s). I don’t see anything very impressive on film, and that’s bad cuz he wasn’t playing great talent in the MAC.