2010 NFL Predictions: Top Rookie Running Backs Who Might Start

The 2010 NFL Draft saw many team look to a newer and younger running back and picked one to help both in the running attack and for depth on the backfield.

A college running back can make an easy transition into the NFL and many running backs have been able to register over 1,000 yards in their rookie year in recent years to show that a rookie can can indeed become an instant impact in a team's offense right away.

The following are the top five rookie running backs who are most likely to start and make an impact for their respective team during the 2010 season.

Honorable Mention: Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 02: Dexter McCluster #22 of the Mississippi Rebels runs the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 2, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

McCluster will not be the starting running back for the Chiefs with both Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones in front of him on the depth chart, but McCluster will see time in the backfield, but probably on end around sweeps and not going straight up the middle.

His impact on their offense should be decent in McCluster's rookie year since he will be a factor at running back, receiver, and a return man.

No. 5: C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 28: Running back C. J. Spiller #28 of the Clemson Tigers rushes upfield against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2009 ACC Football Championship Game December 5, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Mess

No. 4: Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

BEREA, OH - MAY 01: Montario Hardesty #31 of the Cleveland Browns takes a hand off from Colt McCoy #12 during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 1, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Imag

No. 3: Ben Tate, Houston Texans

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Running back Ben Tate #44 of the Auburn Tigers rushes upfield against the Northwestern Wildcats in the Outback Bowl January 1, 2010 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

No. 2: Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 7: Jahvid Best #4 of the California Golden Bears looks on against the Oregon State Beavers at California Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

No. 1: Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

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PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Mathews #21 of the Fresno State Bulldogs smiles after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Stadium on September 1, 2008 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Fresno State defeated Rutgers 24-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

A Few Others Who Will Possibly Contribute As Backups

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Toby Gerhart #7 of the Stanford Cardinal runs with the ball during their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

These few rookie running backs will not start for their respective teams, but they can contribute in limited roles and situations.

Perfect example is Toby Gerhart of the Minnesota Vikings, who will come in for short yardage and goal line plays to bring some power running in place of featured back Adrian Peterson.

Here are a few others:

Gerhart, Vikings

Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers

Charles Scott, Philadelphia Eagles

Deji Karim, Jacksonville Jaguars