2012 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams and the 5 Teams in Need of RB Trent Richardson

While the sentiment across the NFL about the devaluation of running backs in the pro game is certainly true, it hasn't kept Alabama's Trent Richardson from being mentioned as a top-10 pick possibility in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. In fact, it's looking unlikely that Richardson will fall out of the top six. 

According to Russ Lande of Sporting News, the St. Louis Rams have identified Richardson as their "first choice" in terms to the team's No. 6 overall pick.

With former Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson on board and a roster not lacking of holes, the idea of the Rams taking Richardson might come off as a little surprising. 

It shouldn't. 

Run-first coach Jeff Fisher is now at the controls in St. Louis, and he's looking at a running back in Jackson who is approaching the age of 30 and has over 2,000 career carries.

Few running backs in recent history have taken on the age of 30 with much success, and it doesn't help how many miles are currently on Jackson's tires.

Only three running backs—LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones and Ricky Williams—are higher on the active career rushing attempts list. Once you factor in career catches, Jackson is well over 2,500 career touches in the NFL. 

The Rams have just one problem: Richardson might not be there when their pick comes up. And if St. Louis attempts to trade back in the draft and still get Richardson, a few other teams may come into play. 

Cleveland Browns (No. 4 overall)

No team in the NFL has a bigger hole at running back than the Browns and it appears (at least right now) that the front office is going to go ahead and build around quarterback Colt McCoy for 2012.

If that's the case, there's simply no bigger piece Cleveland could give McCoy than Richardson, a workhorse back with as much talent as any back in the last five or six drafts. Most mock drafts of late agree.

It's far from set in stone, but Richardson looks like a good bet to land in Cleveland. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 5 overall)

New head coach Greg Schiano hasn't seemed happy about the status of the running game he's walking into for 2012. With LeGarrette Blount as the No. 1 back, he's got plenty of reasons why.

The Bucs would have to think long and hard about taking Richardson at No. 5, as he'd help springboard a rushing attack that finished near the bottom of the NFL last season while relegating Blount to the bench.

The 5'11", 225-pound Richardson could go well over 1,000 yards running behind guards Davin Joseph and Carl Nicks as a rookie.

Kansas City Chiefs (No. 11 overall)

Yes, the Chiefs added free-agent running back Peyton Hillis to the mix, but the front office might still have a hard time passing on Richardson if he got to No. 11.

Hillis was only given a one-year deal and the recovery of Jamaal Charles (ACL) will likely mean Kansas City eases him back into the fold. Richardson would ensure the Chiefs' running game stays right where it needs to be for another shot at cracking the playoffs in 2012.

Cincinnati Bengals (No. 17/21 overall)

The Rams would be taking a big, big risk trading back any farther than No. 17, as the Bengals look like a team that pounce on Richardson if he's available. While Cincinnati signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis this offseason, Richardson is the kind of back that could take the Bengals offense to another level.

Andy Dalton/A.J. Green/Richardson is a trio of offensive playmakers that few teams could beat in 2012 and beyond.