2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Doug Martin and the Best Non-BCS School RBs

Other than finding a franchise quarterback, selecting the right running back to fit an offense's system through the NFL draft is arguably the next most important issue to address.

A big reason is because running backs have such shorter careers than quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs or defensive linemen.

Well, outside of the BCS schools, there's quite a bit of talent to be had from the non-AQ conferences and here's where some end up this April.

(Round 2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin, Boise State

The Boise State bruiser, Doug Martin, accumulated over 2,500 rushing yards the past two seasons and almost 600 more in receiving yards.

For his career, Martin also scored 47 total touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

Martin was also one of the prospects who stood out at the combine thanks to running 4.55 seconds on the 40-yard dash, leaping 10 feet on the broad jump, slicing the three-cone drill at 6.79 seconds and bolting the 60-yard shuttle at 11.29 seconds.

The man is a power back with a touch of elegant swiftness that makes him such a complete player. Martin has no problem slamming the trenches and he can just as easily make a move to get the extra yards.

Tampa Bay could use him early in Round 2 because Martin will not only challenge LeGarrette Blount for the starting role, but both would make for a solid two-back tandem.

The Buccaneers need a more reliable and consistent ground game to set up the pass and Martin will certainly suffice.

(Round 4) Philadelphia Eagles (From Tampa Bay): Bernard Pierce, Temple

Let's be honest, Ronnie Brown is not the answer as the No. 2 running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, main ball-carrier LeSean McCoy could certainly use a complement.

Well, the Eagles should look no further than Temple's Bernard Pierce, who didn't wow anyone at the combine but was effective enough to remain stagnant in terms of his draft stock.

While at Temple, Pierce had a rather monstrous career with over 3,500 rushing yards in three seasons as well as scoring 54 total touchdowns.

Definitely more utilized on the ground than in the passing game, Pierce has great ball-carrier vision with good patience, planting his foot and hitting the lane hard. Any would-be tacklers are going to get trucked, which is just what the Eagles' ground game is missing.

Now, Pierce does tend to have trouble with initial quickness at the snap, which will challenge him early in the pros. Plus, he doesn't possess a top gear that's going to open any eyes.

However, the more Pierce develops into that short-yardage-situation back, the more effective he'll be in the NFL. After all, finding the end zone is Pierce's specialty and Philadelphia needs to improve its red-zone efficiency.

(Round 4) Denver Broncos: Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State

The question here for the Denver Broncos is whether they should risk a redshirt sophomore like San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman or look to free agency.

We know that Willis McGahee is on the back end of his career and although Lance Ball had a decent season, he's not your ideal No. 2 running back. Hillman, on the other hand, can at the very least provide production on third down as a rookie and then develop thereafter.

Here's a guy who scored 38 touchdowns in two seasons and rushed for over 3,200 yards. Now, yes, Hillman was not facing top-tier defensive talent week in and week out, but there's no denying his consistency.

For one, the Aztecs' quarterback, Ryan Lindley, wouldn't be nearly the prospect he is without Hillman gaining much of the attention from opposing defenses. Hillman's balance, explosion and speed will pay dividends to an offense needing track speed in the backfield.

In addition, Hillman's presence alone will take pressure away from quarterback Tim Tebow and his willingness to develop as a pass-blocker will set up screens, draws, shovel passes and play-action.

Complementing McGahee, Hillman will allow the veteran to play a bit longer and help the Broncos offense remain stout at pounding the rock between the tackles.

(Round 5) Oakland Raiders: Robert Turbin, Utah State

Depending on what happens with running back Michael Bush and the health concerns of Darren McFadden, the Oakland Raiders need to bring in a stud running back from the later rounds.

Therefore, enter Utah State's Robert Turbin and his dual-threat consistency for the Aggies.

As a receiving back, Turbin caught 67 passes for 845 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. As the only threat on Utah State's offense, this is quite impressive to have this production in three seasons.

On the ground, however, Turbin hit another gear between 2009 and 2011 (missed 2010 season) with 2,813 yards and 32 touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He also scored eight touchdowns as a freshman, so 40 total on the ground and 51 overall.

The Raiders need this kind of consistency because, after McFadden went down in 2011, Bush stepped in and made himself a hot commodity for 2012. Turbin, by the same token, can simply help refill that void (if Bush signs elsewhere) to act as Oakland's reliable No. 2 Brahma Bull.

That's been Oakland's philosophy on the ground as of late and, provided that the passing game improves, Turbin will make for one great checkdown safety outlet and short-yard slammer.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)
2. Cleveland Browns: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. St. Louis Rams (From STL): Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. St. Louis Rams (From CLE via ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	25. Denver Broncos: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.