NFL Draft 2012: Teams Would Be Wise to Wait on Running Backs

A handful of teams need to fill voids at running back in the 2012 NFL draft, but they must address the position in the proper way. 

Using a first-round pick on a guy, (other than Trent Richardson) would be misguided and downright foolish. 

I've said it repeatedly, and I'll say it again. 

In today's passing renaissance, rarely do running backs carry first-round value. 

That doesn't meant they've lost all importance within team's offensive attacks. 

Recent history has given me a clear depiction as to when selecting a running back makes the most sense and has paid the most dividends. 

In 2006, the Jacksonville Jaguars grabbed mammoth tight end Marcedes Lewis in the first round and waited to select running back Maurice Jones-Drew in Round 2. 

A fantastic start to their draft grabbing two franchise cornerstones. 

Two years later, the Chicago Bears picked offensive tackle Chris Williams in Round 1 and intelligently grabbed Matt Forte in the second. 

Another smart move. 

Also in 2008, the Baltimore Ravens snagged their franchise quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round before picking Ray Rice in Round 2. 

Rice led the NFL is rushing yards in 2011 and is the heartbeat of their offense. Although Flacco takes his lumps, he was a defended pass away from the Super Bowl last season. 

The trend continued in 2009 when the Philadelphia Eagles were patient when selecting LeSean McCoy. They look him in the second round after choosing play-maker Jeremy Maclin at No. 19 overall. The unquestioned, most electric runner in 2010, Jamaal Charles, wasn't picked until the third round in 2008.

Sure, there are some outstanding NFL backs that were first-rounders. But times have most certainly changed. The added emphasis on throwing the football means there is little-to-no value for runners in Round 1. Again, outside of Trent Richardson.

Chris Johnson and Ryan Mathews were the only running backs in the top 20 in rushing yards last season that were picked in the first round more recently than 2007.

Think that's a fluke? 

The year before was no different. Only Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall and Darren McFadden made the top 20 as guys selected in the first round more recently than 2007.

The Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers could all use running back reinforcements. 

They'd be better off waiting and grabbing a fleet-footed guy like Lamar Miller or David Wilson in Round 2 and addressing more pressing needs within the first 32 picks. Can't forget about Doug Martin, either.

Even Isaiah Pead, Bernard Pierce, LaMichael James, Ronnie Hillman and Cyrus Gray can become quality, multi-dimensional players in the right system behind a sound offensive line. 

Whatever you do, besides Richardson, wait on running backs. 

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