2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where the Top Running Backs Will Land Post-Senior Bowl

Running backs aren't as highly sought after as they used to be in the NFL draft, but there are a few guys that should be selected in Round 1. 

After the festivities in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl last week, let's take a look at where the best runners will land in April.

2012 NFL Mock Draft 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

8. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

9. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

11. Seattle Seahawks: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB Illinois

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, Southern California 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Yes, I moved Richardson down from No. 4 to No. 17—that's not a knock against the Alabama star in any way. It's simply because after the Browns, every team has more pressing needs than running back until the Bengals make this pick. Running backs aren't valued as high as they used to be, so Cincinnati gets the final member of their "Big Three."

The Bengals have received solid contributions from Cedric Benson over the last few seasons, but they would certainly like to inject some youthful talent to their backfield. 

Richardson has the bulk to take the punishment that comes with running between the tackles in the NFL and is explosive when he gets in the open field. He runs with Marshawn Lynch-type toughness.

He'll carry the majority of the load for the Benglas in 2012.

18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

25. Denver Broncos: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State 

Martin is this year's biggest riser, moving from Round 2 or Round 3 into the end of the first. He was one of the most impressive players during Senior Bowl weeks and at 5'9'' and 215 pounds, he has the body to take on feature back duties in the NFL.

The Boise State star was is faster through the hole than you think and showed his abilities as a receiver in Mobile. Remember, he returned kicks in college, too. Martin does everything well and will give the Broncos some steadiness at the running back position. There's no telling how Knowshon Moreno will come back from another injury. 

26. Houston Texans: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

28. Green Bay Packers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

30. San Francisco 49ers: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

31. New England Patriots: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

32. New York Giants: Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

The Giants' offensive line could use some depth, but Polk would represents good value here. He's a physical and stunningly elusive runner who flew under-the-radar playing in the Pacific Northwest for the Huskies. The senior runner was productive on the ground during his last three years in Washington, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in each season since 2009.

He can catch the ball out of the backfield, too. Polk has ideal size at 5'11'' and 215 pounds and will be a great complement to Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

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