2012 NFL Draft: Draftniks with Second Opinions on Top Running Backs

At ScarDraft.com the past year, I've done a roundtable discussion with some of my colleagues called Kvetching Draftniks. This edition I've decided to syndicate with Bleacher Report. We're joined by a few of my colleagues: Akiva Goldenberg, Ethan Hammerman and Michael Schottey. This year's edition focuses on running backs, and who our favorites are that aren't the best back.

Akiva Goldenberg: “Doug Martin is an all-around talent.”

Trent Richardson is the most talented running back prospect since LaDainian Tomlinson was drafted in 2001, but that doesn’t mean he’s my favorite 2012 draft prospect at the position. That would be Boise State's Doug Martin.

Though it is unlikely he will be drafted in the first round, Martin is an every-down tailback who could make an impact in the NFL right away. He has good speed (he ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash), can catch well and is a willing contributor in pass protection.

Martin demonstrates an uncanny patience, allowing his blockers to create a hole for him to run through, and will benefit tremendously in the NFL because of it. His thick and compact frame gives him the ability to stay low and break tackles.

By playing in Boise State’s pass-focused scheme for three years, Martin has been able to improve his technique as a pass protector and his catching ability. Consequently, he has become the quintessential NFL tailback.

One last skill Martin will be able to offer to the team that drafts him is his talent as a kick returner.

My favorite running back prospect is a player who can do all the things expected of a running back yet can be acquired at a far lower price than Trent Richardson. It doesn’t hurt that his playing style and frame reminds me of Pro Bowlers Ray Rice and Frank Gore. 

Michael Schottey: “Chris Polk is a bowling ball.''

The "best" running back of the draft is Trent Richardson, hands down. However, my "favorite" running back of the draft? That's Chris Polk from Washington.

My two favorite traits in a back are vision and balance, and Polk has them in spades. Because of his top-notch vision, Polk finds holes that other backs would miss and is able to set up defenders at the second or third level.

Because of his balance, Polk doesn't go down on the first, second or third hit from even bigger defenders. The combination is deadly as Polk can turn two to three yards up the middle into a long run that leaves defenses wondering, "What just happened?"

The rest of the package is enticing as well. Polk has more than enough athleticism for the next level and has capability as both a third-down pass receiver and pass blocker.

Overall, Polk will likely be the third or fourth running back off the board, but I think he can step right in and be productive for a very long time. 

Scott Carasik: “One cut and go. Bernard Pierce's style is tops.''

There are many attributes that make a back a good one. Some people think balance is the most important, while others prefer a back that can be a home-run threat at any time. Some people want true power from their backs, while others want a guy who can be versatile in any way possible.

I fall into the category that believes a top running back should be able to run the ball in every way possible and still have the ability to catch out of the backfield.

While Trent Richardson is far and away the best running back in the draft, my personal favorite has to be Bernard Pierce. While he isn’t a proven player in the pass blocking or receiving yet, he has shown excellent potential.

The biggest reason I like Pierce is his rushing abilities. He shows a great mix of power, speed and potential that is needed to be a top back in the NFL. He’s a 5’11”, 218-pound back with three years starting.

In his three years at Temple, he carried the offense with 663 carries for 3,570 yards and 53 touchdowns. He also has one of the most athletic combine showings with a 4.38 40-yard dash, 4.28 short shuttle and 7.07 three-cone drill.

Pierce is looking like he is a great fit for either a zone-blocking or a man-blocking scheme. Pierce would be ideal in a one-cut-and-go scheme, which is part of what makes guys like Arian Foster and Jamaal Charles as dangerous as they are.

Ethan Hammerman: “The analysis points to Brandon Bolden as the best.”

This running back class is full of interesting prospects. Trent Richardson is the most highly touted. Chris Rainey is the fastest. Chris Polk may have the best power. LaMichael James has intriguing explosion. Lamar Miller may end up being the most complete.

There are many options at the position for teams in need of a fresh pair of legs to tote the rock.

However, when it comes to my favorite back, I feel the need to tout a certain player who is going a bit under the radar, but when it comes to potential NFL projection, could be a superb sleeper. That player is Mississippi’s Brandon Bolden, or as I call him, Arian Foster 2.0.

Before going too far into why I specifically like Bolden, I need to explain my theory behind drafting running backs. I think people overvalue college production at the RB position.

Unless an athlete is special or has legitimate 4.3 speed, they don't tend to be that successful at the NFL level unless they have a unique blend of power and speed. Usually, that means weighing either approximately 220 or more pounds or, if a player is short (5'9" or shorter), having an inordinate amount of lower body strength like Maurice Jones-Drew or Ray Rice (who are around 205-210 pounds.)

You look at the top rushers from 2008 to 2011 and there are some clear patterns that stand out.

U = unique athlete/speed, W = normal weight threshold, S = small weight threshold.

1. Chris Johnson (U)

2. Adrian Peterson (U)

3. Michael Turner (W)

4. Maurice Jones-Drew (S)

5. Stephen Jackson (W)

6. Matt Forte (W)

7. Frank Gore (S)

8. Ray Rice (S)

9. Cedric Benson (W)

10. Thomas Jones (W)

11. DeAngelo Williams (S)

12. Fred Jackson (W)

13. Jonathan Stewart (W)

14. Marshawn Lynch (W Now, U when he came out)

15. Brandon Jacobs (W)

16. Rashard Mendenhall (W)

17. Arian Foster (W)

18. Jamaal Charles (U)

19. Lesean McCoy (W, but also U)

20. LaDanian Tomlinson (W)

21. Ahmad Bradshaw (U)

22. Ryan Grant (W)

23. Ricky Williams (W)

24. Willis McGahee (W)

25. Darren McFadden (U)

Even though there are some anomalies, it does seem that proportionally heavier players gain more yards than those who are a bit lighter. The only true track athlete who is unique is McFadden.  Bradshaw is great at hitting holes, Charles is the most elusive back in the league, Johnson is the fastest back in the league and Peterson carries his weight better than any back in the league.

Also, it should be noted that Peterson, Charles and McFadden are all coming off of injuries, while Johnson wore down a lot in 2011.

Personally, when I'm scouting, I'd like to maximize my chances to "hit" on a back. Therefore, I'd be predisposed to cut players off my board who did not meet these thresholds, especially when it comes for looking at late-round running back steals.

Early on in the draft, with special talents like Peterson, Charles and Johnson, the risk makes more sense. However, after the first round, I personally look for guys with elite bulk and solid explosion who could translate well to the pros.

Bolden, in essence, meets my criteria to a T. At 5'11" and 221 pounds, Bolden has the bulk necessary to withstand an NFL pounding. He did a good job in college behind mediocre offensive lines and without solid quarterbacks, finishing second in school history in most rushing statistics.

Bolden had 3,681 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns in his career, and also served as a team captain. His versatility in the passing and running games add to his value.

To be honest, Bolden’s circumstances look extremely similar to Foster’s when he entered the draft. Both of them had most of their success as juniors and suffered slightly disappointing senior seasons due to issues beyond their control.

If there is one running back in the class to bid low upon, it would be Bolden.

Special thanks go out to Ethan Hammerman, a contributing writer at ScarDraft.com; Akiva Goldenberg, a contributing writer at RantSports.com; and our Goyim Guest, Michael Schottey, Associate NFL Editor at Bleacher Report and Analyst at Drafttek.