2011 NFL Draft: Power Ranking the Running Back Class of the 2011 Draft

Regardless of what happens with the current CBA talks, there's one thing NFL fans can take solace in: There will be a 2011 NFL Draft...no matter what.

And that means your favorite team will be able to pursue that coveted player they've been scouting all season, including the guys who run between the tackles week in and week out.

I'm talking, of course, about the running back position.

Though this year's RB draft class isn't quite as good as ones we've seen in the past, there are still plenty of quality players who will be lining up in some team's backfield next season.

But who are the best running backs in the 2011 NFL Draft?

Let's take a look at the top 10.

10. Stevan Ridley, LSU, Junior

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Stevan Ridley #34 of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs in for a touchdown during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by

Measurables: 6'0", 224 pounds

2010 Production: 1,147 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC and 15 rushing touchdowns

After totaling just 57 carries in his first two seasons, Stevan Ridley exploded onto the scene in 2010 and was arguably the SEC's best rusher not named Marcus Lattimore or Cam Newton.

As his 224-pound frame indicates, Ridley is a big, tough running back who does a great job of protecting the ball and running between the tackles.

However he is not really fast, quick or explosive. In fact, he only broke off one run of 30-plus yards during his entire college career.

Though Ridley's a good blocker and a solid north-to-south runner, he only had 17 receptions and will likely make his mark at the NFL level as a short-yardage and goal line back.

Projection: Fourth round 

9. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State, Junior

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Runningback Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers runs with the football during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the W

Measurables: 5'7", 190 pounds

2010 Production: 1,194 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC, 44 receptions, 297 receiving yards and 17 total TDs

Jacquizz Rodgers is the definition of a home run threat.

He's a pint-sized back, but his incredible athleticism, agility and acceleration make him one of the biggest playmakers of this year's RB draft class.

Rodgers is harder to tackle than his size might indicate and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, but his small stature will turn plenty of teams off in the first few rounds.

He's never going to be a great between-the-tackles back and will likely serve in an all-purpose role in the NFL, so expect him to be drafted as a luxury rather than a necessity.

Projection: Fourth round 

8. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State, Senior

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LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Kendall Hunter #24 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys carries the ball during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Measurables: 5'7", 199 pounds

2010 Production: 1,548 rushing yards, 5.7 YPC and 16 rushing TDs

The nation's second best running back behind LaMichael James this season, Kendall Hunter has his fair shares of pros and cons.

He's a shifty back who shows good patience, is a solid receiver out of the backfield and is quick on the open field.

But Hunter also tends to shy away from taking hits, rarely picks up yards after contact. He also lacks the elite speed he needs to have to compensate for his small stature.

Though his college production won't be overlooked, Hunter will have to put up some impressive numbers at the NFL Combine to improve his draft stock.

Production: Third round

7. Derrick Locke, Kentucky, Senior

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LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 18: Derrick Locke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Akron Zips at Commonwealth Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Measurables: 5'8", 188 pounds

2010 Production: 887 rushing yards, 5.3 YPC, 10 rushing TD's, 34 receptions and 318 receiving yards

The trend of smaller running back continues, as Kentucky's Derrick Locke has a similar scouting report to those of Kendall Hunter and Jacquizz Rodgers, though Locke seems to be the best of the bunch.

He shows excellent vision, athleticism, and quickness, and is a surprisingly gritty runner given his lack of size.

However, Locke is only an average receiver, does not break many tackles and lacks breakaway speed in the open field.

It is worth noting that he was one of the biggest surprises at the Senior Bowl, impressing scouts with both his effort and his physical skills.

Projection: Third round

6. Jordan Todman, Connecticut, Junior

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EAST HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 27: Jordan Todman #23 of the Connecticut Huskies carries the ball as Camerron Cheatham #21 of the Cincinnati Bearcats defends on November 27, 2010 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Be

Measurables: 5'9", 196 pounds

2010 Production: 1,695 rushing yards, 5.1 YPC and 14 rushing TDs

A cornerback recruit when he signed with Connecticut, Jordan Todman's still got the excellent speed that's recovered of the position.

He could very well run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which would greatly increase his stock.

Though Todman is a quick, shifty runner and an excellent receiver out of the backfield, most scouts see him as nothing more than a situational back in the NFL.

He isn't the best blocker, he often runs outside to avoid getting hit between the tackles, he's undersized, and he doesn't have a great center of gravity.

Todman may make his mark as a change-of-pace back for a team in need of some speed in the backfield.

Projection: Third round

5. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, Senior

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STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 29: Running back DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 29, 2008 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Measurables: 6'0", 214 pounds

2010 Production: 1,214 rushing yards, 71 receptions, 594 receiving yards and 20 total TDs

Possessing an excellent combination of size and speed, DeMarco Murray is one of the more impressive physical specimens in this draft.

However, his abilities as a running back could be described as questionable. He runs too high, doesn't show great vision, and lacks elite lateral quickness.

Murray should find a spot in the NFL because of his incredible contributions in the passing game.

He has excellent hands and ball skills, and is widely considered to be the best receiving threat out of the backfield in this year's draft class.

Projection: Late second/early third round

4. Daniel Thomas, Senior, Kansas State

Measurables: 6'2", 228 pounds

2010 Production: 1,585 rushing yards, 5.3 YPC, 19 rushing TDs and 27 receptions

The big boy of the running back class, Daniel Thomas is an excellent downhill runner, but also one who shows surprising agility and lateral quickness for a guy of his size.

Given his nearly 230-pound frame, he is also a tough, bruising runner who rarely goes down after first contact and could excel as a short-yardage or goal line back at the NFL level.

Though Thomas is not the greatest receiver out there, he does bring a little something extra to the table.

He played quarterback in junior college before switching to running back at Kansas State, meaning he can be used as a wildcat quarterback in addition to a power running back.

Projection: Second round

3. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois, Junior

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Measurables: 6'0", 227 pounds

2010 Production: 1,648 rushing yards, 5.9 YPC and 20 total TDs

A huge running back prospect, Mikel Leshoure is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Illinois running backs Pierre Thomas and Rashard Mendenhall with a successful NFL career.

And he definitely has the tools to do so.

Though he doesn't contribute much as a receiver and lacks elite speed, Leshoure is an excellent power back who's a nightmare to bring down to the ground.

His big body allows him to truck defenders, and he excels in short-yardage and goal line situations.

If Leshoure can improve his vision and quickness, he could be a first-round prospect.

Projection: Early second round 

2. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, Junior

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Get

Measurables: 5'10", 210 pounds

2010 Production: 477 rushing yards, 4.3 YPC and 10 total TDs

After a stellar sophomore campaign in 2009, Ryan Williams found himself stuck in a three-back rotation this season and his production really suffered.

But the former Virginia Tech product is still one the draft's best running back prospects, who shows incredible patience, vision, speed, lateral quickness and agility.

Williams, though not a huge RB prospect,  has the ability to run over defenders and pick up plenty of yards after contact.

His two biggest weaknesses, however, are his struggles as both a receiver out of the backfield and a blocker in pass protection.

Projection: Late first round

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama, Junior

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Measurables: 5'10", 215 pounds

2010 Production: 875 rushing yards, 5.5 YPC, 21 receptions, 282 receiving yards and 14 total TDs

When you think Mark Ingram, you think "complete running back."

His competitiveness, toughness and patience are unparalleled in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he also shows elite agility, cutback ability and power.

Though not the best receiver out there, Ingram is above average in that area and can serve as a team's workhorse running back.

His intangibles are off-the-charts as well, and he's developed into a true leader during his time at Alabama.

Projection: Mid-first round