2012 New Orleans Saints Position-by-Position Breakdown: Running Backs

After we took a look at the quarterback position, it's now on to the deepest position on the roster: Running backs. 

This is a position that has no 'set' starter but doesn't need one either. The player who gets the distinction of being the "starter" for that week is only because the first play of the game ran his sub-package. 

It's okay, though, because the Saints offense is based on creating mismatches and rotating every playmaker on the active roster. That being said, first downs are usually going to be Mark Ingram or Pierre Thomas territory, so I would go with either of them as the "starter."

Darren Sproles will still see his 10-15 touches per game either out of the backfield or in the slot. Chris Ivory runs with more force than any other player in that backfield, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season.

I will also take a look at the fullback position, and I don't think the Saints will be keeping two of them again this year. 

Running backs:

Starter: Mark Ingram

Ingram underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month, but he should be at full-go for training camp and healthier than ever. He will show everyone in 2012 why he won the Heisman at Alabama. His vision between the tackles is unmatched on this team.

The Backups: Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory

Sproles is the jack-of-all-trades. You can play him anywhere—in the backfield, in the slot and even back at returns. He excels at them all. What's great about all of these backs is that none of them need to start to get touches. Sproles is a prime example.

Thomas is the steady force in this lineup and has proven time and time again that he can come up in big situations. From a third-down screen pass to putting the Saints in the end zone for the first time in the Super Bowl, Thomas has proven his worth in the largest of spotlights.

He will have a little chip on his shoulder considering the last time we saw him Donte' Whitner's helmet went through him and knocked him out of the 49er playoff game.

Ivory is the X-factor here. If healthy, he can be put in just about any situation and succeed. He's not his best in the passing game, whether it be out of the backfield or blocking, but he is money for you when he works between the tackles. When he runs all you see is dreads and a cloud of dust because he is hitting that hole with some power. 

Fullbacks:

Starter: Jed Collins

Collins was a pleasant surprise last year after Korey Hall was brought in to solidify the position. Collins took the starting job late in the year and ran with it. He had 15 touches last year with four touchdowns, and the majority of the touches were receptions. Imagine what he can do with a full season of duty under his belt.

The Rest: Korey Hall

Hall is more of a blocking fullback than a threat out of the backfield. That's where he is slipping in his competition with Collins. Collins' blocking is not on par with Hall's, but it's getting there.

If Hall doesn't show more versatility, he could be the odd man out in this group.