NFL Stock Watch: Which Young RB Has the Brightest Long-Term Future?

Great rookie running backs only come along once in a while.

The NFL has multiple weapons at the RB position, and now that the season is in the later stages, we can safely identify who some of the top rookies are.

DeMarco Murray? Daniel Thomas? Which one will be the No. 1 RB in the future?

Here are 10 backs to watch out for.

10. Jacquizz Rodgers

Jacquizz Rodgers is the backup to Michael Turner, so his production is limited at present, but with his small 5'6" frame, he could cause some matchup problems in the future.

The Atlanta Falcons could use him more down the stretch when they are fighting for a playoff spot, but Turner is too good. However, over the next few seasons keep a watch on him and see what this little man can do.

9. Stevan Ridley

Stevan Ridley has not done much for the Patriots, but he did have a monster game against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4. He had over 90 yard and scored a touchdown.

Ridley is an explosive option in the backfield for the Patriots. He may be young, but he is quick and a great option to have in emergency situations.

8. Montario Hardesty

Montario Hardesty has been injured over the past several weeks with a strained calf, but before he got hurt he was having a great rookie campaign.

Hardesty had only two games over 60 yards for the Cleveland Browns and no touchdowns, but his ability to run the ball is impressive. He will be a No. 1 RB in the future.

7. Delone Carter

Delone Carter has been a great third-tier RB since Joseph Addai has been out most of the 2011 season with injury.

Carter is now the No. 2 RB on the Indianapolis Colts and has been thrown into the fire more than once and has produced great numbers. He may only have 327 yards and two touchdowns, but he should carry the ball more for the Colts if Addai can't return anytime soon.

6. Roy Helu

The Washington Redskins have had trouble having a consistent No. 1 RB over the last several seasons.

With Coach Shanahan running things in Washington, Helu may have a ton of opportunities one week, but hardly any the next.

The Redskins are too inconsistent to depend on Helu in the future, but there is always and upside if he starts getting the ball more.

5. Kendall Hunter

Kendall Hunter is going to be an interesting RB to watch in the future. He plays under Frank Gore for the San Francisco 49ers and that means not many carries.

In 2011, Hunter has only one game over 60 yards, but he does have two touchdowns in weeks where he had 40 yards or less rushing. This could mean that he could get the snaps near the end zone sooner rather than later.

4. Daniel Thomas

Reggie Bush is the lead guy for the Miami Dolphins in the run game, but Bush is not always effective between the tackles and Daniel Thomas could get the majority of the rushing opportunities in the next couple of seasons.

Thomas has not scored on the ground yet, but he does have a reception touchdown.

Being able to catch and run will help Thomas' stock option.

3. Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram has been a valuable asset to the New Orleans Saints and his stock is only going up as he tries to fight for the top RB position on the squad.

Ingram got hurt a couple of weeks back, but he still has scored three times this season on the ground and is a great goal-line RB.

2. Ben Tate

Ben Tate may be the backup RB for the Houston Texans, but he still has 686 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. This type of production will make him the No. 1 option in the near future.

Tate may have to wait a couple seasons, but he will get a huge contract with an NFL team that will put him on the map.

1. DeMarco Murray

Murray is making waves since getting the starting nod in Dallas in place of the injured Felix Jones. He has totaled 745 yards and two touchdowns so far in 2011.

After Jones went down with an injury in Week 6 against the Patriots, the next game Murray went for 253 yards and a touchdown.

This type of offensive output will be very helpful for the Cowboys in the future.

He will be a top-tier RB in the not-so-distant future.