NFL Draft 2012: Trent Richardson and the Best Available Running Backs

Running backs have been devalued in the NFL over the past few seasons.

Few teams will now spend first-round picks on backs now and most employ two-back rotations on offense. This year there are four runners I have given first- or second-round grades to and all should make an impact on the NFL during their rookie years.

Here is my list of the top running backs in the 2012 NFL Draft class. 

Trent Richardson, Alabama

Richardson doesn't have anything left to prove, he is the most complete running back to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson in 2007. He is so much fun to watch run the football simply because he almost never goes down on first contact. He also has the speed to run away from defenders at the next level.

His vision and instincts are developing to an elite level and should be there soon. He works hard, was a respected teammate at Alabama and seems to relish contact and punishing defenders. 

Richardson also has great hands out of the backfield and can be used to block in pass protection as well. He has everything you could possibly want in an elite running back. I believe he will be one of the NFL's best in a short time.

I can't see the Cleveland Browns passing on Richardson at No. 4, but if they do, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will certainly snap him up at No. 5. 

Doug Martin, Boise State

Despite being just 5'9" Martin possesses outstanding bulk (223 pounds) and has solid speed for the position. He had a productive career at Boise State, rushing for 3,324 yards and 43 touchdowns during his final three years as a Bronco.

Martin is a competitive kid, and he always seems to run north/south, but isn't the kind of back who will run through people. He can get to top speed quickly, but isn't a breakaway speed kind of guy. He is more of a solid runner who has decent speed in the open field and can make a move or two down field.

He projects as a solid back in the NFL but I don't see him developing into a Pro Bowler. He will help a lot in the passing game as a receiver and a blocker. He will do whatever you ask of him.

I currently have him with a high second-round grade.

Lamar Miller, Miami

Miller is probably the rawest talent of the top four backs in this draft, but he has incredible upside. He does have the ability to make an impact immediately as a home run threat, but is still developing. 

He checks in at 5'11" and 212 pounds, which gives Miller solid size for the position but his best asset is his phenomenal breakaway speed. He only started for one full season at Miami so his instincts and vision are still developing. His balance and his ability to absorb contact have gotten better and if deployed in the right system, Miller could become a Pro Bowler. 

Though he has dropped in most recent mocks, I think a team could reach up and snag him in the top 20.

David Wilson, Virginia Tech

In his first season as the starting back at Virginia Tech, Wilson rushed for 1,709 yards and nine touchdowns for the Hokies. That one season was all he needed to show he is a stud who could be a very good back at the next level.

Wilson had a great showing at the combine during drills and interviews. He looks like he is perched just outside the first round right now. 

At 5'10", 206 pounds, Wilson has adequate size for the position and his durability, off-the-charts intangibles and work-ethic have some teams taking a long look at him. Wilson really doesn't go down easily and fights for every yard, which has made him even more appealing. 

Wilson doesn't have great initial speed but he glides down the feel without much effort when he gets to full speed. 

There is a lot to like about Wilson and I think he'll be off the board early in the second round.