2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which RBs Will Have Best Pro Careers?

The 2012 NFL Draft may not be overloaded with a lot of insane talent at the RB position, however, it's got a solid amount of second-tier talent after Alabama's Trent Richardson. That said, who will have the best pro career?

Well, obviously getting drafted into the proper system will help, but nonetheless, we know the draft is an inexact science. Still, the talent is there so, here are four RBs that have the best NFL careers from the 2012 draft.

Round 1, Arizona Cardinals: Trent Richardson, Alabama

The Cardinals rank No. 28 in rushing offense and average just over 90 yards per game on the ground. Beanie Wells clearly hasn't been getting the job done, however, make him the complementary RB to Trent Richardson and they will begin to improve.

For starters, Richardson is a complete back. He can block as good as any RB in the country, breaks tackles consistently and has an acceleration and top speed that goes under the radar because of his size.

And with the Cardinals already having a potential passing game, they can get a solid QB in the second round or thereafter. As long as Larry Fitzgerald is out-wide, having a stud RB like Richardson will make Arizona a more complete offense.

Round 2, Baltimore Ravens: David Wilson, Virginia Tech

As unfortunate as it may seem, we know that Ricky Williams can't play forever. Right now he's the insurance RB for Ray Rice in Baltimore and although he can provide leadership, at this point he's more of a coach than player.

Therefore, the Ravens need a solid back to give them a two-RB system that Joe Flacco can rely on. Enter Virginia Tech's Dave Wilson who is the main Brahma Bull for an underrated Hokies team.

A lot of recognition goes to QB Logan Thomas for his versatility but, Wilson is arguably just as versatile. This season he's being used more for the ground game, however, a year ago Wilson compiled 234 receiving yards and scored four TDs.

Pair him with Ray Rice and Baltimore has to identical back in terms of style that will make them even more dynamic that they already are.

Round 3, Cincinnati Bengals: LaMichael James, Oregon

Although the Bengals have Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott, their offense would get a burst of speed and acceleration like no other if they take Oregon's LaMichael James.

And they can use him multiple ways from the backfield with Benson. Definitely good for draws, screens and tosses but also a reliable check-down and can even incorporate the Wildcat to throw defenses off even more.

All that said, however, James would be most deadly in a single-back shotgun formation lined up next to Andy Dalton. There, James could just take a quick pitch and sprint for the edge as he'll outrun any DL or backside blitzer. Not to mention his vision is underrated.

Ronud 4, New York Jets: Doug Martin, Boise State

Sooner or later LaDainian Tomlinson has to retire and although he's been the main guy in 2011, Jets RB Shonn Greene hasn't been dominating like he was expected. New York struggles to run the ball and Joe McKnight although versatile, can't take the brutality of running between the tackles each week.

Therefore, drafting Boise State's Doug Martin will suffice. Martin has already had a much more successful collegiate career than Greene, and although he's a hair smaller (5'9", 215 pounds) he's much faster.

Martin has the ability to quickly hit the hole and plow through LBs because of his acceleration. It's something that Greene's missing and in having gained just 573 yards this season, New York clearly needs an upgrade.

During his sophomore year, Martin scored 15 TDs, 14 as a junior and has 13 with two games left this year. However, he goes overlooked because of QB Kellen Moore receiving the bulk of the recognition. 

2012 NFL First-Round Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)	17. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)
2. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	18. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)	19. Cleveland (From ATL): Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
4. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB, (LSU)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
5. Arizona Cardinals: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)	21. Detroit Lions: Kevin Reddick, LB (UNC)
6. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	22. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
7. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)	23. Dallas Cowboys: Jarvis Jones, LB (Georgia)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (N.D.)	24. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
9. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)	25. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)
10. Washington Redskins:Landry Jones, QB (Okla.)	26. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB (N.D.)	27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cliff Harris, S (Oregon)
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)	28. N.E. (From N.O): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
15. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)	31. Houston Texans: Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
16. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (S. Car.)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.