2012 NFL Draft Projections: Where This Year's Top Running Backs Will Land

While 2012 is definitely not the Year of the Running Back, there are still plenty of steals in the upcoming NFL draft.

Alabama's Trent Richardson is the only RB projected to go in the first round this year. The second round, however, is where we will see teams taking home quality running backs. NFL teams have realized they can wait until later rounds to draft RBs and still come up on a great addition.  

So where will this year's top running backs land?  

Trent Richardson, Alabama

If the Cleveland Browns don't select Trent Richardson with the No. 4 pick, they are not serious about turning their franchise around. 

The Heisman finalist is clearly the best choice for the Browns, who were 5-11 last season. Richardson is the only running back projected to go in the first round of the draft. 

Facing strong defenses in the AFC North like the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on their schedule, the Browns need to draft someone who will be able to withstand the pressure. Not only has Richardson proved himself against a strong Louisiana State University defense in the regular season, but he also had a 96-yard touchdown against the Tigers' D in the BCS National Championship Game. 

Richardson had a monster season at Alabama in 2011. He produced 24 touchdowns and ran for 1,679 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. It is very likely he'll be in a Browns uniform soon.  

David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Any NFL team that drafts David Wilson in the second round will be getting a steal. The 2011 ACC Player of the Year averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his 1,709 yards last season for Virginia Tech. He was also outstanding at the combine, leading the running backs in the vertical and broad jumps. 

While Wilson may not be a powerhouse, he accelerates well through the hole. Posting a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, Wilson has the speed to turn any play into a big play. His unconventional style of running is also his biggest weakness, often causing him to lose yards trying to make a play out of nothing. 

Wilson is a perfect match for the St. Louis Rams with the 39th pick. The Rams need a player at almost every position, and Steven Jackson could definitely use a solid backup. With Jackson's career winding down, the team needs a quality running back to develop in the meantime.  

Doug Martin, Boise State

While Doug Martin had a strong 2011 season, he had an even better offseason. Not only did he have an impressive showcase at the Senior Bowl, but at the 2012 NFL Combine, he tied for the lead on the bench press. 

Martin is an explosive running back with good instincts. He ran for 1,299 yards last season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He also excels in receiving and blocking.  

New head coach Greg Schiano is ready to make moves in Tampa Bay. If he wants to build the Buccaneers around a strong running game like he had at Rutgers, Martin would be the obvious second pick. Tampa Bay also has the overall No. 5 pick, so if Cleveland decides to pass on Trent Richardson, expect the Bucs to scoop him up.   

Lamar Miller, Miami

Lamar Miller has only started one full season for the Miami Hurricanes, but he is already an exciting, developmental prospect for NFL teams.

Miller has amazing speed and a smaller build, perfect for leaving opponents in the dust after squeezing through closing gaps. He has good hands and is a serious threat in the open field. Miller ran for 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011.

On the other hand, Miller is a raw talent that will need to be polished. Although some think he left college too soon, he has the agility, quickness and competitiveness to be a consistent starting running back in the NFL.

The Cincinnati Bengals should draft Miller with a late second-round pick. Although the team picked up BenJarvus Green-Ellis in free agency, Miller has the ability to change the pace for the Bengals offense.