NFL Rumors: Giants Must Draft RB to Back Up Ailing Ahmad Bradshaw

Last season, New York Giants' running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed four games. Needless to say, the Giants finished with the NFL's worst rushing offense, as Bradshaw only totaled 659 yards and averaged less than four yards per carry.

But Bradshaw did come to life in the postseason, running for 272 yards in four games and averaging over four yards per carry—not to mention also scoring the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XLVI.

Looking ahead to the 2012 NFL season, Big Blue is going to need to fresh, young legs at the running back position. Yes, Bradshaw is only 26 years old, but his body has taken a toll during his career. And because of that, Bradshaw is likely to miss most, if not all, team activities until training camp.

According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, Bradshaw wants to heal up now:

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"I don’t plan on it,’’ Bradshaw said yesterday when asked if he will participate in the OTA practices or the minicamp. “I just want to rest as much as I can.’’

“By the time training camp comes I want to practice every week,’’ Bradshaw said yesterday during an appearance at the opening of the new NFL Shop at Draft Store in Manhattan. “I want to start the season off right.’’

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With Bradshaw seemingly out until August and Brandon Jacobs having been released in early March, New York must add a running back or two in the NFL draft.

Since Tom Coughlin took over in 2004, the Giants have relied on a two-back set. It's obviously worked, as evidenced by two Super Bowls. Quarterback Eli Manning also needs that set, because not only is he used to it, but two dynamic running backs cause a defense to defend more than expected.

To that end, here are a few running backs that Big Blue must consider when late April rolls around.

Doug Martin, Boise State

The best fit for the Giants' system, Boise's Doug Martin compiled an average of 1,280 rushing yards between 2010 and 2011. He also scored 43 career rushing touchdowns, and provides the size to hit the trenches, go off-tackle or take a counter/trap outside.

Martin also caught 56 passes for 593 yards and added four touchdowns for the Broncos in 2010 and 2011. Let's put it this way—if Brandon Jacobs can catch 15 passes for 128 yards and take six for first-downs, Martin will only up that production as a rookie.

In other words, it's a quick replenishment in the backfield for a guy who can make a dominant impact in short-yard situations.

LaMichael James, Oregon

More of the change of pace type ball-carrier, Oregon's LaMichael James ran for 5,000 yards in three seasons, while scoring 53 times on the ground.

His lightning-quick agility and top speed will widen a defensive front, thus allowing Bradshaw to take a quick handoff up the middle on a draw or trap. Also, James is arguably more dangerous out of the backfield, having caught 51 passes for 586 yards and four touchdowns.

It's James' yards after the catch that are impressive, and the Giants would be dangerously effective on screens. Plus, with his speed and athleticism, Big Blue can motion James to the slot when facing a base defense to force a mismatch on the outside linebacker.

Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State

Along the same line as James, San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman is a dual-threat back who can be an effective perimeter runner.

Despite playing in just two college seasons, Hillman compiled over 3,200 rushing yards and scored 36 touchdowns while adding 270 receiving yards on 24 catches in 2011.

The man knows how to find the end zone just like Martin and James, but is going overlooked as he's just a redshirt sophomore. Still, Hillman has proven consistency on the ground and can really develop as a complete back courtesy of his blocking efforts and football IQ.

John Rozum on Twitter.