2013 NFL Draft: Predicting the Top 5 Running Backs off the Board

Being that we're just two months out from the NFL draft, the coverage is really starting to heat up. One of the more interesting positions in this year's draft is the running backs. While there isn't a top-notch elite player, there are more than enough guys that have the ability to be great pros. 

So, here are the top five running backs in the 2013 NFL draft. 

5. Jonathan Franklin

Picking this fifth spot was tough, as a lot of players around this ranking are at a very similar level. At the end of the day though, Jonathan Franklin's talents got him on the list. Franklin is coming off a strong showing at the Senior Bowl where he showcased his quickness and shiftiness, and the ability to block, which is always a plus. 

Franklin will likely go in the third or fourth round, and could contribute right away as a third-down back. He may not be a player who can carry the ball over 20 times a game, but he's certainly good enough to have a successful NFL career. 

4. Stepfan Taylor

I've long been high on Stepfan Taylor. And while some may have cast him aside, he does have a lot of talent. Taylor has demonstrated that he has great vision and quickness, and has some power to go along with it as well. He's being vastly underrated by scouts and could be a great player at the next level. 

Taylor will likely come off the board in the third round, but has just as much skill as any other running back in this year's draft. When looking back at this year's draft class in a few years, Taylor may very well be the best of the bunch. 

3. Joseph Randle

Joseph Randle is very impressive to watch on film. He's got great speed, is hard to bring down in the open field and is a great blocker as well. Randle is a little bit on the small side, and could benefit from adding 10-15 pounds to his frame to withstand the rigors of the NFL season. 

Randle could be a great third-down back next season, and would certainly add value to whatever team ends up selecting him. Randle figures to be drafted somewhere from late in the second to early in the third round in April. 

2. Eddie Lacy

Eddie Lacy would've had the top spot on this list were it not for his recent hamstring tear. Lacy won't be able to participate at the combine, which is unfortunate and could cause him to slightly fall in the draft. Lacy is a tough runner that has power for days and is just as quick. 

He isn't the fastest guy, but he knows how to run the ball effectively, and could be a starter right away, assuming his hamstring is fine. Lacy figures to go early in the second round, but if a team wants to reach for him he could sneak into the late-first. 

1. Giovani Bernard

Giovani Bernard takes the top spot on this list largely due to Eddie Lacy's injury. However, don't be fooled, Bernard is an excellent football player. He's very elusive in the open field, and has the shiftiness of a LeSean McCoy. Bernard is also rather explosive, seemingly able to make big plays out of nothing with ease. 

Bernard will likely go in the late first or early second round. If he's on the right team, he could really make some noise next year as an electric playmaker out of the backfield. 

Follow @RalphLongo