2012 NFL Mock Draft: 4 Teams That Need Most RB Help

The running back position is starting to become a devalued asset in the NFL, as teams now attempt to find backs later in the NFL draft while typically having two or three guys they can give the ball to on any given Sunday. 

There are still superstar backs, like Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster, but even Foster splits carries at times with Ben Tate. 

However, there are some teams in the NFL that really lack any identity in their backfield. If that's the case for your franchise, then the NFL draft might be exactly where to go to find the answer. 

Let's run down the teams that need the most help this April at the running back position.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are likely to lose Peyton Hillis, who, after a handful of big seasons in Cleveland, has been an afterthought in 2011 because of injury. There's little chance that the Browns re-sign him after his contract expires this season. 

Behind him, the Browns lack any real backup that could take over his starting role. Brandon Jackson was signed from Green Bay over the offseason, but he's more of a third-down guy and he missed the entire 2011 season because of injury. 

If the Browns want to solve their issues at running back early in the draft, Alabama's Trent Richardson might be their best option. 

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will likely have to replace veteran running back Cedric Benson at some point in the near future, as the 28-year-old running back is almost at 2,000 career touches. Running backs don't last long once they've hit that many carries.

Finding an explosive young back in the draft would be just another step in the Bengals' effort to rebuild their entire offense. With Andy Dalton and A.J. Green already on board, a running back appears like a pick they could make next April. 

St. Louis Rams

Yes, I know the Rams still have Steven Jackson at running back. But the tread on the tires is wearing thin for Jackson, who has touched the ball almost 2,500 times in his career and is creeping close to 30 years old.

On an offense that has been so reliant on the run, not having a future option at running back could be disastrous. Jackson won't hold up forever, and we already saw some signs this season that his time could be coming to an end. 

New York Giants

The Giants' running game has plummeted all the way to No. 32 this season. A big part of that has been the reshuffling along the offensive line, but it also has to do with the loss of Ahmad Bradshaw to injury and the ineffectiveness of bruising back Brandon Jacobs. 

You can't imagine the Giants will keep around Jacobs much longer, especially considering they owe him a hefty sum of money next season in the final year of his contract. If the Giants find a better, more explosive option to team with Bradshaw in the draft, it could be over for Jacobs in New York.  

2012 Mock Draft

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