Power Ranking the Top 10 Running Backs in the 2013 NFL Draft

Running back has become an increasingly difficult position to evaluate for the NFL draft. NFL teams are using more running backs than ever before, as only a few feature backs remain solidly in their role.

And as of late, there have been a growing number of backs taken outside the top few rounds who are making big impacts in the NFL. Vick Ballard, Daryl Richardson and Alfred Morris come to mind. 

So as passing offenses continue to take over the pro game, and more teams are utilizing multiple-back systems, the value of running backs has hit an all-time low.

It is therefore somewhat difficult to rate running backs at this stage, especially as some teams may value a different type of back over another. One team may think more highly of a certain back in terms of talent, but draft someone lower on their board because they better fit the offense.

With that in mind, here's my crack at ranking the top 10 backs in this year's NFL draft. 

10. Johnathan Franklin

Franklin hasn't gotten the attention I think he deserves. While he isn't super fast, super quick or super strong, he is a powerful slasher who can really make things happen with the ball.

As a senior, Franklin averaged an impressive 6.2 YPC en route to 1,734 yards on the ground. He was relied on heavily to shoulder the load this year and really helped carry the offense throughout the season.

Franklin could easily work into an NFL rotation and be counted on to pull his weight if need be. 

9. Montee Ball

Ball is an absolute workhorse back. While that may sound good, it actually could end up being a disadvantage for the senior.

He has racked up a ton of carries throughout his career with Wisconsin, which is a bad sign when the biggest concern with the running back position nowadays is durability. Ball has been durable so far, but the fact that there's already a lot of tread on the tires isn't a positive moving forward.

Ball is a tough, hard-working back, but he isn't good enough at this point to be a feature back like Adrian Peterson or Arian Foster, so his value is depleted in that sense. 

8. Jawan Jamison

Jamison has been overlooked thus far because he plays for Rutgers and is only a redshirt sophomore. But even though he's only 5'8", Jamison is thick and incredibly fast.

He can break through holes, but is especially dangerous around the edge and in the open field. He's a really dangerous weapon who can be used to catch passes out of the backfield or as a change-of-pace guy.

Any team looking for a second running back who can turn up the pace will be in the market for Jamison, who should make waves at his workouts. 

7. Mike Gillislee

Gillislee stepped into his role as a feature back for the Gators this year, and the senior really made the most of his opportunity, rushing for 1,152 yards on 244 carries. 

He's very difficult to bring down, as he combines speed and power with good vision and balance. He isn't overly versatile, however, and isn't really a pass-catching threat at all. 

Gillislee would be a very good No. 2 back for a team with an already explosive top rusher, like San Diego. 

6. Andre Ellington

Ellington is an explosive running back who will immediately bolster any offense looking for a real punch. He's a bit undersized, but his quickness and speed in the open field is impressive.

Ellington is a true home-run threat, but he also had the benefit of playing in a talented offense where he was surrounded by playmakers.

Depending on where his final draft stock is, a team like Philadelphia would be a possible fit for Ellington. Chip Kelly would love to get a guy with Ellington's athleticism for his offense.  

5. Le'Veon Bell

Bell is an absolute load, coming in at 6'2", 244 lbs., but he runs like someone 30 pounds lighter. His patience and balance are phenomenal, and he is deceptively quick.

He doesn't run as violently as a guy his size should, but he is more nimble and crafty than you would think. He has a deadly spin move that he often uses to break out for big gains.

Some teams may shy away from him because of his lack of top-gear speed, but Bell would make a great tandem with a smaller, faster back in the NFL. 

4. Joseph Randle

I don't like making comparisons, but I can't help myself with this one. When I look at Randle, I can't help but see Adrian Peterson.

Even though Randle isn't nearly as good as Peterson, they're both tall, ripped, fast and dangerous every time they have the ball. Randle isn't quite as shifty, and it's hard to expect him to have the mental makeup of Peterson, but I think there are some similarities. 

Randle has the upside to be a feature back, but he won't be handed the starting job anywhere right away. 

3. Stepfan Taylor

Taylor has been underrated for years now. The senior has had three straight phenomenal seasons, but doesn't get anywhere near the credit he deserves.

He's a true three-down back who can do everything: run between the tackles, break a big gain around the outside, block for his quarterback or run a good route and make a play down field. Over the past three seasons, Taylor has 3,997 yards on the ground to go along with 38 touchdowns and 94 receptions.

Taylor would step right in to any rotation and push for the starting spot. He'd be a great fit for a team looking for a potential workhorse down the road. 

2. Eddie Lacy

Lacy's stock increased throughout the season as he enjoyed a breakout campaign for Alabama. Lacy is a powerful back, coming in at a burly 6'1", 220 lbs. 

He's a little more Steven Jackson than Trent Richardson, but he isn't slow by any means. He'll run over defenders and push for those extra yards, although he can explode through a hole a lot quicker than you'd expect.

The only question about Lacy is in regards to those holes he exploded through: how much was he helped by his outstanding offensive line? He was running behind four potential first-round picks, so it remains to be seen how he'll perform without that advantage. 

1. Giovani Bernard

And finally, the top back on the list. Bernard is a redshirt sophomore who is the clear-cut number one back in this draft, and I don't think it's even that close. 

In his two years at North Carolina, Bernard put up some impressive numbers: 239 carries for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2011, and 184 carries for 1,228 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012.

Bernard is built like a bulldog, and he displays a unique combination of power and quickness. He's elusive but can also run straight through defenders as well.