NFL Combine 2012: Where LaMichael James and Other Mid-Round RBs Need to Improve

If there's anything a player can hope for from season to season it's improvement. And when making the transition from college to pro, the areas that need to improve are revealed if anywhere, at the NFL Scouting Combine.

That being said, despite pro football being a pass-happy league, the ability to run the rock effectively is crucial. So, here are some expected mid-round running backs to watch for at the combine as well as where they need to improve.

LaMichael James, Oregon

The biggest concern is durability not only because of his rather small size, but because LaMichael James did miss two games due to injury as well.

Still, he's a speedy and quick back with excellent agility that will enhance the horizontal ground game of any offense. He'll be expected to make plays around the edge and on screens, but not too often between the tackles.

Here, breaking tackles and getting yards after initial contact near the line of scrimmage will need to improve because lanes open and close a lot quicker in the pros. And, although he's willing to improve as a pass-blocker, building strength to take on linebackers and chip defensive ends is imperative.

Chris Rainey, Florida

Simply put, he needs to get bigger and stronger.

Florida's Chris Rainey stands at just 5'9" and weighs only 178 pounds. Make no mistake about it, his speed, quickness, agility and lateral movement are quite explosive and will benefit in passing situations.

He is however, not a threat in the running game, lacks any build to be an effective pass blocker and his strengths will be exposed once on the field. For starters, NFL defenses won't expect him to slam the rock between the tackles and get those power yards.

So, defenses will just put a nickel or dime back on him to blanket in coverage. Best-case scenario right now for Rainey is as a punt returner. There, he'll have more open space to make plays because his track speed will prove obsolete on offense.

Terrance Ganaway, Baylor

This past season, Baylor's Terrance Ganaway had a breakout season with over 1,500 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns while he averaged 6.2 yards per carry.

Now, obviously much of his efforts went significantly overlooked because of quarterback Robert Griffin III however, Ganaway still have a lot to prove. Before 2011, Ganaway had only amassed 510 rushing yard and seven touchdowns, so getting the job done on a consistent annual basis remains to be seen.

He does have solid size at 5'11", 240 pounds, but he isn't aggressive. A lot of his production came because defenses were geared toward a coverage eyeing Griffin, so how Ganaway performs when the box is stacked against him must be proven.

More than likely a short-yardage power back, quicker acceleration is needed otherwise he won't ever reach the running lane before it closes. Therefore, explosion from the snap will be closely watched as will ball-carrier vision.

John Rozum on Twitter.