NFL Draft 2012: Breaking Down Top Attributes of the RB Class

After Trent Richardson, the 2012 class of running backs doesn't boast any transcendent prospects, but each guy undoubtedly has their own unique skill set. 

Using Alen Dumonjic's template as inspiration, and to play off the breakdown of wide receivers I published last week, I give to you the top attributes of the 2012 running back class. 

Most straight-line speed: Lamar Miller, Miami

Miller may be young and he may have his flaws, but one thing's for sure—he can absolutely fly. While he's not Chris Johnson fast, once he gets going, it's hard to catch him in the open field.

Ask the Ohio State or Virginia Tech defense what they think about Miller's speed.

I'm not sure if he'll be used on special teams in the pros, but he was quite the kick returner during his time with the Hurricanes.

Most explosive burst: David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Wilson's immense burst from a standstill was one of the main reasons why he was the ACC Player of the Year in 2011.

He averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2011 and totalled 1,709 rushing yards with nine touchdowns. Watching highlights of Wilson reminds me a lot of former Clemson star C.J. Spiller, who always seemed to be in top gear by the time he hit the line of scrimmage. 

Best lateral agility: LaMichael James, Oregon

You watched a lot of James during his career with the Ducks, and you saw his incredible ability to slide his body laterally with ease. 

His completely horizontal jump cut is devastating, and he utilizes a diagonal juke that allows him to shake defenders without losing any speed at all. 

The true lightning bug in this year's class. 

Most versatile: Doug Martin, Boise State

Martin started the pre-draft process as a sleeper, but now there's a realistic chance he's the next running back taken after Trent Richardson, maybe even in the first round. 

During his career with the nation's perennial underdog, Martin accumulated over 3,400 ground yards with 43 rushing touchdowns. 

Along with that, he caught 56 passes over the last two seasons and added four more receiving touchdowns. 

To round out his complete game, Martin returned 27 kickoffs for the Broncos and took one 100 yards to the house in 2011. 

He's capable of doing it all. 

Biggest project: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor 

Ganaway had a huge bowl game against Washington in the legitimate track meet that ended in a 67-56 win for the Bears. He totalled 200 yards on the ground on 21 carries with five touchdowns in a performance that opened the eyes of some NFL scouts and general managers. 

However, his pre-draft process has been a little sluggish. During the Senior Bowl, the masses were unimpressed. Probably due to his 6'0'', 240-pound frame, he wasn't able to display any sort of legitimate burst or speed. 

Yes, he's a downhill power runner, but there's a great chance that he'd have to shed some weight if he wants to remain a running back in the NFL. 

Because he didn't catch many passes during his college career, he'd likely have to improve in that area, too. 

Most likely to succeed: Trent Richardson, Alabama 

Complete stunner, right? Richardson is the class's most premier, well-rounded feature back that some believe is the best prospect at his position since Adrian Peterson. While he doesn't have the unadulterated speed of Peterson, he's powerful, shifty and certainly isn't slow. 

The complete running back. 

Legitimate sleeper: Robert Turbin, Utah State

By running back standards, Turbin is a bigger back (5'10'', 222 pounds) and runs a bit higher than coaches would probably like, but he's relatively fast and is undoubtedly a powerful guy. 

He displays patience when running, but that can haunt him on some plays that don't provide a huge lane. 

Turbin's combination of size and speed make him an interesting mid- to late-round prospect that could be a punishing goal line runner. With coaching, he could become a legitimate feature back with the ability to run between and outside the tackles with brute force. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso