2012 NFL Mock Draft: Trent Richardson Headlines Hard-Hitting RB Crop

NFL teams hoping to add a Darren Sproles-esque change-of-pace back will face slim pickings in the 2012 draft, especially if LaMichael James stays in school. The running back cupboard, however, is far from bare.

This trio of power runners should be among the first backs off the board this spring:

Trent Richardson, Alabama

For the second year in a row, there’s an excellent chance that the only running back to crack the first round will come from the University of Alabama. Out of the shadow of Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson has exploded for 989 yards and 17 TDs in 2011.

Richardson is at least as good a receiver as his predecessor, and with his tremendous strength, he has a good start as a blocker as well. RB may not be a priority for many teams in this draft, but don’t be surprised to see the Washington Redskins (projected at No. 15 overall below) snap him up as an improvement over Tim Hightower and Roy Helu.

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

His Wisconsin Badgers are no longer in the national championship discussion, but Montee Ball is still one of the toughest runners in the nation. The bruising junior has already scored 17 TDs and has racked up 768 yards while splitting carries with James White.

At 5’11”, 210 pounds, Ball resembles a slimmer version of Badger legend Ron Dayne. Whether he’ll wind up replicating Dayne’s unimpressive NFL performance or not remains to be seen, but don’t expect Ball to last much longer than the second round in April.

Christine Michael, Texas A&M

Christine Michael is the power option in an Aggies’ backfield featuring speedsters Ryan Tannehill at QB and Cyrus Gray at RB. The 5’11”, 213-pound runner has gained 707 yards and scored eight TDs so far this season.

Michael is only a junior, and with Gray graduating, he may well stick around to get a season as the main man in College Station. If he does opt for the 2012 draft, though, he’ll be a solid workhorse option who can handle contact and make plays around the goal line.

*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Miami Dolphins (0-6)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (0-6)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Indianapolis Colts (0-7)	Matt Kalil, OT
4.	Denver Broncos (2-4)	Quinton Coples, DE
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
6.	Minnesota Vikings (1-6)	Jonathan Martin, OT
7.	Seattle Seahawks (2-4)	Landry Jones, QB
8.	Arizona Cardinals (1-5)	Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB
9.	Carolina Panthers (2-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
10.	Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)	Morris Claiborne, CB
11.	Cleveland Browns (3-3)	Michael Floyd, WR
12.	Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)	Riley Reiff, OT
13.	Oakland Raiders (4-3)	Matt Barkley, QB
14.	Cleveland Browns (via Falcons 4-3)	Jared Crick, DT
15.	Washington Redskins (3-3)	Trent Richardson, RB
16.	Chicago Bears (4-3)	Dave DeCastro, OG
17.	Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)	Manti Te'o, LB
18.	Dallas Cowboys (3-3)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
19.	Tennessee Titans (3-3)	Brandon Thompson, DT
20.	New York Jets (4-3)	Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB
21.	Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
22.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
23.	Houston Texans (4-3)	Stephon Gilmore, CB
24.	Buffalo Bills (4-2)	Luke Kuechly, LB
25.	San Francisco 49ers (5-1)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
26.	San Diego Chargers (4-2)	Alameda Ta'amu, DT
27.	New York Giants (4-2)	Cordy Glenn, OG
28.	Detroit Lions (5-2)	Zach Brown, LB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (4-2)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
30.	New England (via Saints 5-2)	Michael Brewster, C
31.	New England Patriots (5-1)	Chase Minnifield, CB
32.	Green Bay Packers (7-0)	Cliff Harris, CB