2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where Trent Richardson and Elite RBs Are Likely to Go

The running back position has become a very interesting one in the NFL. While a great running back can buoy an offense, many of the league's better running backs are mid-to-late round picks or even undrafted free agents.

Because of that, the amount of running backs picked early in the NFL Draft has gone down in recent years. The 2012 draft class looks to have several solid first-round candidates at the position, however, meaning that trend could take a back seat.

While only Alabama's Trent Richardson is likely to go in the top 10, there are plenty of teams picking later in the round that could really use a top-notch runner, though. Here is an analysis of where each of the 2012 NFL Draft's running back prospects will likely end up.

Trent Richardson

There is no question that Trent Richardson will be the top running back in the 2012 NFL Draft. Not only is he a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy this season, but he has all the tools to be a top running back in the NFL. Mark Ingram won the Heisman and was drafted in the first round with Richardson as his backup, but it's fair to say that Richardson is the better all around player.

While there are some teams in the top five that would benefit from Richardson's services, they have other needs as well. The first team that seems to be a legitimate destination is the Cleveland Browns at No. 8. The Browns currently have Peyton Hillis, but his contract is up at season's end and he hasn't done anything to earn a new deal.

The Browns have very little in terms of offensive weapons, so a player like Richardson would be huge in helping them climb the latter in the AFC. When Hillis was on top of his game last season, the Browns had chances to win games they shouldn't have. Richardson figures to be a much more well-rounded back, though, who should adjust well to life in the AFC North.

Montee Ball

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball is considered by many to be a borderline first-round pick, but I believe that his late-season dominance will help move him up on the draft boards. Ball is a bit undersized at 5'11" and 214 lbs., but that simply isn't as big of an issue as it used to be in the NFL.

The New York Jets are projected to pick at No. 20, and they would seem to be an ideal destination. Something is missing for the Jets offensively, and I believe that is an effective ground game. Quarterback Mark Sanchez hasn't been particularly good this season, but running back Shonn Greene hasn't given him much support.

Greene seems to run fairly well when given the opportunity, but for whatever reason head coach Rex Ryan doesn't trust him enough to give him 20-25 carries on a regular basis. Ball has been a workhorse at Wisconsin despite his size and would certainly be able to handle a large workload while taking the pressure off New York's passing game.

Lamar Miller

Perhaps the most explosive running back likely to be available in April's draft is Lamar Miller of Miami. Like Ball, Miller is diminutive at 5'11" and 212 lbs., but his speed and big-play ability are fantastic. Not only has he been productive at Miami, but his combine numbers figure to be impressive, making him an attractive option.

The Cincinnati Bengals at No. 23 would be a nice fit for Miller. They currently have Cedric Benson, but his contract expires at season's end, and he isn't getting any younger. Benson has done a nice job this season, but he isn't going to break many long runs and tends to be shut down by better defenses.

Miller would add a new dimension to Cincinnati's offense and would join quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green to form an excellent young trio on offense. The Bengals are a rough and tumble type of team that fits in well in the AFC North, but they could use some more speed and athleticism, and Miller provides that.

*Draft order based on current place in standings and future projections

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-10)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-8)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Carolina Panthers (2-8)	Quinton Coples, DE
4.	Miami Dolphins (3-7)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)	Michael Floyd, WR
6.	Arizona Cardinals (3-7)	Matt Kalil, OT
7.	Minnesota Vikings (2-8)	Jonathan Martin, OT
8.	Cleveland Browns (4-6)	Trent Richardson, RB
9.	Washington Redskins (3-7)	Landry Jones, QB
10.	Seattle Seahawks (4-6)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	San Diego Chargers (4-6)	Morris Caliborne, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)	Zach Brown, LB
15.	Tennessee Titans (5-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
16.	Buffalo Bills (5-5)	Courtney Upshaw, LB
17.	Denver Broncos (5-5)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-3)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Dallas Cowboys (6-4)	Devon Still, DE
20.	New York Jets (5-5)	Montee Ball, RB
21.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (6-4)	Dwight Jones, WR
22.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (6-4)	David DeCastro, OG
23.	Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)	Lamar Miller, RB
24.	Detroit Lions (7-3)	Luke Kuechly, LB
25.	Houston Texans (7-3)	Juron Criner, WR
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)	Barrett Jones, OT
27.	New York Giants (6-4)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
28.	New England (via NO 7-3)	Brandon Jenkins, LB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (7-3)	Stephon Gilmore, CB
30.	San Francisco 49ers (9-1)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
31.	New England Patriots (7-3)	Jayron Hosley, CB
32.	Green Bay Packers (10-0)	Ronnell Lewis, LB