2012 NFL Mock Draft: How Top Running Backs Performed at Combine

The running backs ran the 40-yard dash and performed all their workouts and positional drills at the 2012 NFL scouting combine on Sunday, so let's take a look at how the top backs fared:

Trent Richardson, Alabama

Richardson was still recovering from a minor surgery and didn't participate in any workouts or drills. He's still the top running back prospect, hands down. Keep an eye on his pro day in March.

Lamar Miller, Miami (Fl.)

Miller cemented his status as a first-round-caliber back with the top 40-yard dash time at 4.40 seconds (official). He also showed some receiving skills, which gives him the chance to be a three-down back at the next level.  

Chris Polk, Washington

Polk wasn't flashy in any of his workout numbers, but few expected the big back to put up track numbers. He's still a top 50 player. 

David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Wilson had a lot to gain in Indy, and he certainly didn't hurt his draft status on Sunday. His official 40 time was 4.49 seconds, which is slower than some of the top backs but right in the range of what you're looking for. The pleasant surprise was Wilson's ability to catch the football out of the backfield. He looked like a natural in that role. Solid second-rounder. 

LaMichael James, Oregon

The speed that everyone wanted to see from James was on full display in Indy. He burned through the 40-yard dash at 4.45 seconds and then was a top performer in the broad jump (123"), three-cone drill (6.88 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.12 seconds). James couldn't have asked for a better day in Indy, and he should get looks as a pace-changing, pass-catching running back option.  

Doug Martin, Boise State

Martin's 4.53-second 40 time was faster than what many had predicted for the big back. He also put up 28 reps at 225 pounds, which was second among running backs. He's a complete strength/speed package as a runner.

Chris Rainey, Florida

Most people's pick to have the fastest 40 time, Rainey came in second with a time of 4.45 seconds. In the other speed drills, Rainey was a monster. He was a top performer in the three-cone drill (6.50 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (3.93 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (11.06 seconds). Just as he did at the Senior Bowl, Rainey also showed excellent skills as a receiver. Rainey can be a Darren Sproles type game-changer on an offense and an electric special teams weapon for the right roster.

2012 NFL Mock Draft 

1.  Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2.  Cleveland Browns – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (via trade with St. Louis Rams)

3.  Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4.  St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (via trade with Cleveland Browns)

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. Washington Redskins – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

8.  Miami Dolphins – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

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

10.  Buffalo Bills – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

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

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 – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

18.  San Diego Chargers – Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

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

20.  Tennessee Titans – Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia 

21.  Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

22.  St. Louis Rams – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama 

23.  Detroit Lions – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

25.  Denver Broncos – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

26.  Houston Texans – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

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

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

29.  Baltimore Ravens – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

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

31.  New England Patriots – Devon Still, DT, Penn State

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