Trent Richardson: Decreased Value of RBs Won't Hurt Alabama Star's Draft Stock

Not a single running back in the top five rushing leaders of 2011 was drafted in the first round.

In fact, the first running back on the list this year to be drafted in the first round was Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, the seventh-highest rusher in the league.

Teams have been working towards avoid a running back selection in the high first round—or the first round at all—in recent years because of a questionable success rate.

Last year Alabama's Mark Ingram was the only running back taken in the first round and he didn't come off the board until the 28th pick.

No position in the league offers the "dime a dozen" mentality like running back does.

Coaches and teams are more confident than ever that they can find a suitable running back virtually anywhere.

But even with that concept starting to take hold across the league, Alabama's Trent Richardson won't have to wait long to hear his name called should he declare for the draft this year.

The 5'11" 224-pound running back prospect is widely considered a better prospect than his former teammate Ingram, a Heisman Trophy winner, and the need for playmakers in the top 10 is extremely high.

Richardson plays with a mean streak and never stops his legs. He keeps a low center of gravity, has great balance, knows how to run behind his pads, will go around a defender as easily as he will through them and he's still getting stronger.

The Alabama strength program put a cap on how much he was allowed to lift during college.

He's willing and able to pick up blitzes and is a phenomenal weapon out of the backfield. He can make catches in the slot and excels as a screen man. He uses his feel and instincts extremely well in and around the line and can turn any play into a 60-yard run.

Plain and simple, Trent Richardson is the real deal and a complete running back prospect.

His combination of size, speed and strength is somewhat reminiscent of Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden—two running backs who went in the top 10.

Although NFL teams have devalued the position, Richardson will still find a home early on draft day.