NFL Draft 2012: Power Ranking Top RBs in Draft Class

The 2012 NFL draft class is loaded with skilled running backs, but only a select few are worthy of first-round discussion. 

It's a deep running back class this year, highlighted by underclassmen. This, of course, is nothing new to the NFL, as the elites of college football rarely see their senior year. 

Some stick around to get their degrees, but you can't really blame the running backs for departing early because the career of running backs in the NFL is much shorter these days. 

With that said, here are my top three running backs for the 2012 NFL draft. 

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama

This is the easy pick, as Richardson was the best running back in college football last year and he should go on to have an illustrious NFL career. 

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

Richardson has superb vision on the field, eluding defenders with no problem. He's a powerful runner who also has the breakaway speed that scouts love. He shouldn't fall past the top 10, but then again, stranger things have happened. 

2. Lamar Miller, Miami 

As the saying goes, "speed kills." Miller is all about the blazing speed, which will in turn help him thrive in the NFL. 

In the open space, Miller is extremely dangerous. What makes him a top running back, though, is his ability to also run it up the gut without hesitation. 

Miller hits the hold hard and fast, and once he's in the second level he's near impossible to take down. Listed at 5'11", 212 pounds, Miller will be a mid-to-late first-round pick come April. 

3. Chris Polk, Washington 

A borderline first-round pick, Polk can become a lock for Round 1 by thriving at the NFL Scouting Combine. 

Listed at 5'11", 224 pounds, Polk doesn't have the dynamic speed like the others, but he makes up for it with his strength. 

Polk is a strong running back capable of crushing defenders in his path, as well as making them miss with ease. 

Rounding out my top 10 running backs for the 2012 NFL draft in order are David Wilson of Virginia Tech, LaMichael James of Oregon, Doug Martin of Boise State, Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati, Cyrus Gray of Texas A&M, Bernard Pierce of Temple and Tauren Poole of Tennessee.