2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing the First-Round RB Prospects

In our 2012 NFL mock draft, we break down the first-round running back prospects available this April:

2012 NFL Mock Draft    

1.  Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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

3.  Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4.  Cleveland Browns – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

6.  St. Louis Rams – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford (Via trade with Washington Redskins)

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

8.  Carolina Panthers – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

9.  Miami Dolphins – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

10.  Buffalo Bills – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11.  Kansas City Chiefs – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

There's no question Richardson is the top running back in this class. In fact, he might be the best prospect at the position since Adrian Peterson came out of Oklahoma in 2007.

Richardon's combination of speed, power and lateral quickness, plus his ability as a receiver and blocker, make him the complete, three-down running back coming out of college. 

There are two reasons I have him slipping to No. 11.

For starters, the running back position as a whole has been de-valued in recent years, with teams now looking to adopt two-back systems that reduce the wear and tear on running backs already on the roster.

Secondly, you could argue that only the Cleveland Browns have a pressing need at running back. The Buccaneers could use one to team with LeGarrette Blount, but they have more immediate needs on defense.

The Chiefs would gladly stop his fall, as Richardson could pair with a recovering Jamaal Charles and give Kansas City a rushing offense comparable to the one that carried the team into the postseason in 2010.  

12.  Seattle Seahawks – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

13.  Arizona Cardinals – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

14.  Dallas Cowboys – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

15.  Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

16.  New York Jets – Nick Perry, OLB, USC

17.  Cincinnati Bengals – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

18.  San Diego Chargers – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

19.  Chicago Bears – Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

20.  Tennessee Titans – Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

21.  Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Some will argue that Chris Polk is a first-round talent, but Miller is likely to be the only other pick in the top 32 at that position.

Remember, Mark Ingram was the only running back selected in the first round a year ago. Four were then picked in the second round, which is a scenario that is more likely to take place again this year. 

Still, Miller is an electric talent who can add a home-run threat to any offense. The Bengals need a replacement for Cedric Benson sooner rather than later, so adding Miller here is a safe pick.

22.  Cleveland Browns – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

23.  Detroit Lions – Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

25.  Denver Broncos – Devon Still, DL, Penn State

26.  Houston Texans – Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

27.  New England Patriots – Mark Barron, S, Alabama

28.  Green Bay Packers – Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

29.  Baltimore Ravens – Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

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

31.  New England Patriots – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

32.  New York Giants – Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

OTHERS

Chris Polk, Washington; David Wilson, Virginia Tech; Doug Martin, Boise State; LaMichael James, Oregon