2012 NFL Draft: 7 Running Backs That Could Help the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers lacked a consistent running game last season and may add another back in the 2012 NFL Draft to bolster production.

James Starks and Ryan Grant both took steps back in 2011, and neither looks to be an ideal long-term option for the team.

Here are the options at RB for the Packers in each round of the upcoming draft.

(All pick projections and 40-yard dash times are courtesy of CBSsports.com)

Round 1: David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 204 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds

David Wilson was the leading rusher on a Virginia Tech team that finished with an 11-3 record and narrowly lost to Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. 

The Hokie averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his junior season and showed the speed and agility necessary to become a difference-maker for an NFL team.

Wilson is projected as a late first/early second round pick, and could fall to the Green Bay Packers at No. 28.

The Packers are unlikely to add an offensive player this early in the draft, but Wilson's explosiveness may be too tempting to pass up if he's available late in opening round.

Round 2: Chris Polk, Washington

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 215 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds

Chris Polk is a powerful runner who has all the intangibles to become a productive NFL player.

He had an impressive career at Washington and rushed for 1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior season. 

Concerns over his speed have caused him to be projected as a late second/early third round pick.

The Packers have struggled to run the ball in short-yardage situations, and Polk's bruising style could help give the offense an element it has been lacking. 

Round 3: Chris Rainey, Florida

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 180 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds

Chris Rainey has the speed and agility to bust open a game on any given play.

He is an elusive runner with the versatility to line up at receiver and make an impact in the passing game.

However, legal troubles and injuries have caused concerns over his ability to be a reliable professional. He is projected to be a third or fourth round pick.

The Packers were often burned by opposing running backs in the passing game last year, and Aaron Rodgers could use a dynamic receiver out of the backfield in 2012.

Round 4: Robert Turbin, Utah State

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 222 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.50 seconds

Robert Turbin is a strong runner, but an even stronger person.

He battled adversity throughout his childhood and cared for his paralyzed sister while his mother and brother struggled with drugs and crime.

Turbin also overcame two season-ending injuries to have a productive junior season in which he scored 19 touchdowns and showed great vision and patience.

The injuries have caused Turbin to be projected as a fourth or fifth round pick, and he would provide excellent value for Green Bay late in the draft.

Round 5: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 239 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.67

Terrance Ganaway is a big, powerful runner who can be a bruising back in the NFL.

He had an incredible performance in his last game at Baylor, rushing for 200 yards and five touchdowns in the Alamo Bowl.

Concerns over his speed and agility have pushed him down draft boards and he is likely to be picked in the fifth round.

The Packers could use a hard-nosed player like Gannaway to take pressure off of the passing game in short-yardage situations.

Round 6: Marc Tyler, USC

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 219 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.76 seconds

Marc Tyler is a solid between-the-tackles runner and is willing to fight for tough yardage.

He was a premier recruit out of high school, but failed to live up to expectations at USC.

Injury problems as well as off-field issues hindered his progress and he is now projected to be a sixth-round pick.

Tyler's talent means he has plenty of upside, and he could be a steal for Green Bay towards the end of the draft.

Round 7: Edwin Baker, Michigan State

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 204 punds

40-yard dash: 4.53

Edwin Baker is another no-nonsense runner who hits holes with power and conviction.

He has good size and speed for the position and does not have any glaring weaknesses in his game.

However, he does not excel in any single area and is projected to go in the sixth or seventh round.

If Baker is still available to Packers when they make their final pick, the team would be smart to add the hard-working back.