Trent Richardson: Will He Be Better or Worse Than Mark Ingram at the Next Level?

Alabama has produced quite a few great players that have gone on to play in the NFL. Especially players that play the running back position.

The last few years, the Crimson Tide have been blessed with two great running backs in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Both have had fantastic careers at Alabama and have either won or been a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

But there are a ton of players that have fabulous college careers. It's really about what you're able to do at the next level.

Mark Ingram was drafted by the New Orleans Saints last season, and he is struggling to find his role this year. He's averaging under four yards a carry and has 474 yards and five touchdowns. There's no question he has the tools to succeed, but it's going to take him a while to fulfill his potential.

Although, there are a few things he could work on to be a better back. Pass protection is one of them, as well as well as adding finesse moves to his game.

Trent Richardson, on the other hand, is the complete back. This guy could step on a NFL field right now and contribute right away. He's the perfectly built running back at 5'11, 224 pounds and is extremely athletic. With his stocky size, he has a scary combination of size and speed. He's able to run right by you or lower his shoulder and pick up a couple extra yards for a first down.

He has great field vision and is very patient waiting for his blocks to set up. He can run inside or outside and does a fantastic job of running behind his blockers when he gets to the next level.

Richardson doesn't shy away from contact, and he blocks a lot better than Ingram does. His 66 catches in three seasons show that he is a underrated receiver as well.

There is no doubt that Richardson is a top-five pick in next year's draft. He has all of the tools to be successful at the next level and is a franchise-changing running back. He will be able to contribute right away and is an every-down back.

Nowadays, you don't have to draft a running back in the first round, as a lot of the top backs in the game today are drafted later. With a great offensive line, an average back can look brilliant. You can make an exception for Richardson, because he is a rare breed that has very few flaws to his game. 

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]