2012 NFL Draft: Power Ranking Top 5 RBs in Draft Class

The 2012 NFL Draft is loaded with talent, highlighted by some great running backs. It's a stronger class than a year ago, as all are gifted athletes. However, some are better than others and will end up with much better careers. 

Running back is one of the toughest positions in the NFL because of the constant beating the players take.

They have to be able to withstand the big NFL hits, and it certainly helps to have the speed to elude the nasty defenders trying to rip your head off. 

With that said, here are my top five running backs for the class of 2012. 

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama

No. 1 is an obvious no-brainer, as Richardson has the potential to be a Top Five overall pick. 

Listed at 5'11", 220 pounds, Richardson put his skills on full display this past year, finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting. 

He has impeccable vision, great strength, stellar speed and the ability to make defenders miss with no struggle. Richardson definitely has what it takes to be an every-down back in the NFL, one that will thrive wherever he ends up. 

2. Lamar Miller, Miami 

The saying "speed kills" is incredibly true, and Miller fits it to a tee. The former Hurricane is capable of taking it the distance on every play. Once he's in the secondary, it's even harder to bring him down. 

Listed at 5'11", 212 pounds, Miller is also likely to be a first-round draft choice, as many have him headed to the Cincinnati Bengals are one of their two first-round picks. 

Miller is a dynamic game-changer who will provide a huge spark to whichever team picks him. 

3. Chris Polk, Washington 

Polk has seen his draft stock rise big time over the last month or so, and it could get even better depending on his pre-draft workouts. 

Listed at 5'11", 224 pounds, Polk is a borderline first-round pick at the moment, but he can become a lock during the next couple months if he plays his cards right. 

Even if he isn't taken in Round 1, Polk will emerge as a legitimate NFL running back, especially if he lands with a team in dire need of youth in the backfield. 

4. David Wilson, Virginia Tech 

While I do think another year in college would have benefited Wilson a lot, he's still likely to be a second-round draft choice. 

Listed at 5'11", 222 pounds, Wilson's blazing speed and versatile skills really take notice. The former Hokie is a big threat in space, easily fooling defenders on the regular. 

In addition to running the ball well through the hole, Wilson is also very skilled in the passing game, which is what increases his draft stock. 

5. LaMichael James, Oregon 

Another guy who might have benefited more from another year in college, James will definitely be taking the breath away from scouts with his superb speed and agility. 

Some others have Doug Martin of Boise State at No. 5, but to me, James is the better 5'9" running back. After all, if you're going to draft a 5'9" running back, you want the one that is going to blow by the defense with no problem. 

James is that guy, as he is extremely dangerous in the open field. His quickness with help him thrive in the NFL, even though he is smaller than most other running backs. He'll be a third-down back mostly, making big plays in the passing game out of the backfield. 

Speed kills—remember this.