2012 NFL Free Agency: Predicting Landing Spots for League's Top Running Backs

They all keep running and running and running.

Running backs in this league are a dime a dozen, but the good ones are the ones everyone wants in their backfield.

Take away the Denver Broncos who seem to be able to make it work with anyone carrying the ball in their system.

These backs are driven, determined and can take over games at one point or another. And while they are not all the "power" backs of years past, they will still make owners and general managers drool if they actually get on the open market.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots

The "Law Firm" is not as popular a running back as most of the men on this list, but he can move a pile when he has to.

As the primary runner of the Patriots' running game, he was not as polished a runner, and did not run for 1,000 yards on the season. But that does not mean he isn't a key part of the Patriots offense.

The Patriots remind me of the 1985 Dolphins. Great receivers who rack up huge yards and a running game that is mediocre. But Green-Ellis will still be a back looked at in free agent because he may not command the salary as the higher-tiered runners.

He could find a home back in New England or maybe Cincinnati to compliment Cedric Benson. Another team to look at would be Detroit or even Green Bay, where neither of these "passing" teams had a stellar running game this year.

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

The throwback runner of the 1970s and 1980s. Mark Van Eegan and Larry Csonka must be smiling.

He was a breakthrough runner in 2010 and then was hit with injuries and controversy in 2011 and possibly, "The Madden Curse" as well.

If he is over his "contract issues" and is healthy, he can help a team that needs a strong fullback-type. While he will not be back in Cleveland in 2012, there are teams that could use his services. Detroit and Green Bay are on the list.

Maybe New England if Green-Ellis does not return. He has Chicago Bears written all over him and the Raiders could get in the mix if they cannot re-sign Michael Bush or decide to trade Darren McFadden.

Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers

He started last season as the leading runner on the team and got injured.

He has never been the same since.

Grant is the second-best runner on the team next to James Starks, and the Packers could be looking for a new runner to lead the way for the 2012 season.

As the second-best runner on the team, does he garner a lot of interest from other teams?

New England, Oakland, San Diego (if they lose Mike Tolbert) and Indianapolis could all use his talents.

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

When he was given the chance to show what he could do, Michael Bush delivered for the Raiders.

At 240 pounds, he is a load to bring down and proved to be a human bowling ball with speed.

Personally, I think he stays and I am not sure the Raiders would try and trade either he or Darren McFadden. The idea of a two-headed monster in the backfield with a full season from Carson Palmer is a scary thing.

Maybe next season will prove to be better for the Raiders and their running game.

Mike Tolbert, San Diego

Tolbert should be on just about everyone's short list because he is a red zone threat and finds the end zone consistently.

While Ryan Matthews is the lead back in San Diego, it does not mean the Chargers do not appreciate Tolbert's work in short yardage or on special teams.

I am not sure why I keep thinking this but I see him in Dallas or Washington for some reason. He would also look good in Cleveland.

The Chargers need him to help keep a balance on offense in the run game. Can they keep him happy?

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

I fully expect Seattle to retain their prized runner.

There may not have been a better runner in the NFC in the second half last season. And he is just now hitting his stride.

The Seahawks need to look to renegotiating a new contract or look at a franchise tag for him.

If they let him test free agency, teams like Tennessee (even with Chris Johnson) or Washington (even with Roy Helu) or several other teams may have an interest in him.

Arian Foster, Houston Texans

This comes down to dollars and sense.

The leading rusher on the Texans was huge this season one of the reasons the team's running game was so good. I say "part" because Ben Tate was also instrumental in its success.

As a "restricted" free agent, will the Texans, who tasted playoff success this past year, let him test the market?

If he does, there will be an outpouring of teams who could use his services including Washington, Green Bay, Detroit, Cleveland and maybe Tampa Bay.

I cannot see him leaving Houston with the offensive success it had in 2011.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

There had been some talk before the season about him playing in his contract season. No new contract was negotiated.

He went about his business and caught footballs and ran over people. Then, against the Raiders, he hurt his knee.

Does he have negotiating power? I think Forte will be amongst the best runners in the game again next season, and in a Bears uniform.

The team could franchise him. But if he were to test the waters, Green Bay could be a destination and keep in the division. It would not surprise me if New England or Cincinnati made a play for him either.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

 He is not leaving the Ravens.

Rice has too much unfinished business in Maryland.

Over 2,000 yards this season rushing and receiving and leading the Ravens to the AFC Title game, he is too valuable to "walk" away.

On the open market, any team with a running question would pursue him and he would command high dollars, but the Ravens will do the right thing and sign their star offensive weapon to a huge deal that will keep him a Raven for a very long time.