NFL Combine 2012: Trent Richardson's Knee Scope Will Affect His Draft Stock

Trent Richardson, the premier running back in this year's draft, is going to see his draft stock slip after news has surfaced that he suffered a minor knee injury. 

This injury isn't something that should in any way affect his availability for next season, but it doesn't take much to force a prospect down the draft board. 

NFL.com's Jason La Canfora tweeted out the news of Richardson's situation. 

"

Alabama's Trent Richardson, the top RB in this draft, had minor knee scope 3 weeks ago, and won't do on-field drills at the combine...

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 22, 2012"

La Canfora added this on NFL.com:

"

[Richardson] suffered a minor injury in a practice leading up to last month's BCS national championship game, the source said, and had a "minor scope" about three weeks ago to alleviate his discomfort.

Richardson has made good progress since then, but as a precaution, he'll limit his activity at the combine. He's expected to be able to participate in all on-field testing at Alabama's March 7 pro day.

"

Precautionary or not, this is going to cost him in the draft. 

Why Richardson's Draft Stock Will Fall

The running back position in the NFL has been devalued. This is for good reason. The shelf life of a running back is staggeringly short, they are prone to injury and with the success of unheralded backs like Arian Foster (who went undrafted), teams have become hesitant to spend a premium pick on RBs. 

Now, here is Richardson with a new red flag of an injury. While this is a minor injury, any problem with a knee is especially concerning to a running back. 

Richardson need look no further than former teammate Mark Ingram. Ingram had arthroscopic surgery on his knee before his final college season. He didn't suffer any ill-effects from that injury during that season, but it was still a cause for concern in the draft. 

Ingram slid all the way to No. 28 in last year's draft. 

Richardson is now set to suffer a similar fate. When it comes down to it, and teams are deciding who to draft, the RB with knee issues is going to lose in any decisions that are close.