The 2012 NFL Draft is quickly coming upon us. With less than ten days until Andrew Luck’s name is called by Roger Goodell, we will be offering our position-by-position rankings with final grades on most of the draftable prospects.
Today we look at the running backs in the 2012 NFL Draft:
1. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Height: 5094 Weight: 228
Trent Richardson is a special player and received the highest grade of any running back in my six years of evaluating players. It’s hard to find a hole in his game as he has the combination of size, power, speed to make him a dangerous threat running the ball. Combine that with his ability to block and catch the ball out of the backfield and you have a 7.4 grade. TR will go no lower than No. 5 in this draft and should go No. 4 to the Cleveland Browns
2012 NFL Draft Projection: Floor at No. 5 with Tampa Bay
Final Grade: 7.4
2. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
Height: 5090 Weight: 223
I gave Martin a round 2-3 grade in preseason but he moves up a whole round after a stellar senior season. Martin is as complete as any back not named Trent Richardson in this draft. With a thick lower body and punishing running style he looks to be an every down back in the NFL. He has drawn favorable comparisons to Ray Rice and could excel in Greg Schiano’s system as a top of round two guy.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 1-2
Final Grade: 6.3
3. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
Height: 5096 Weight: 206
David Wilson is a dynamic threat that can make a defense sweat with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Wilson’s versatility makes him a viable candidate in the early portions of round two and someone make take a flier on him late in round one. Ball security remains the big question mark with Wilson.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 2
Final Grade: 6.0
4. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Height: 5103 Weight: 212
Lamar Miller possesses the game breaking speed to make him dangerous in the NFL. He played most of the 2011 with a bum shoulder which makes his impressive stats that much more impressive. Miller may have to come off the field early on passing downs due to inexperience catching the ball and lack of blocking technique.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 2
Final Grade: 6.0
5. Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
Height: 5116 Weight: 218
Pierce may be a bit of a one-trick pony but his one-trick is really good. Pierce didn’t get many opportunities to catch the ball out of the backfield at Temple and may struggle early on in the NFL on passing downs. That said, this guy can run the football. Many people point to the lack of competition and his inability to run effectively against Penn St. I watched the Penn St. game over and over and he really didn’t stand a chance as the line broke down before the play got started. I think this guy is an early starter for whoever drafts him.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 2-3
Final Grade: 5.9
6. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Height: 5097 Weight: 197
Isaiah Pead is a versatile prospect that had a strong week at the Senior Bowl to solidify himself as a solid day two prospect. Pead is a dynamic threat from all over the field, including showing off his punt return ability in Mobile. Pead could climb into the late portion of round two and I wouldn’t be shocked.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 3
Final Grade: 5.7
7. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
Height: 5081 Weight: 194
If you’re in need of a workhorse back look the other way on James. James has had durability issues at Oregon as he played in the 185-190 range. He won’t be an every down back in the NFL but he could be a very dangerous change of pace back. In the right system, James could be a steal in the third round of this draft.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 3-4
Final Grade: 5.7
8. Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego St.
Height: 5091 Weight: 200
Ronnie Hillman is a guy that I like more than most. He was ultra productive at SDSU in a pro-style offense and should make a quick transition to the NFL game. He’s an explosive, quick-twitch athlete that should come off the board in round three. Most projections have him in the latter portions of round four which I believe is a steal.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 4-5
Final Grade: 5.7
9. Robert Turbin, RB, Utah St.
Height: 5095 Weight: 222
Robert Turbin was a highly productive running back at Utah St amassing over 2,800 yards and 41 total touchdowns in his final two seasons. Turbin missed all of the 2010 season due to injury. He probably doesn’t get enough credit for his pass catching abilities. If Turbin makes it past round four of the 2012 NFL Draft, he’s an absolute steal.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 4-5
Final Grade: 5.7
10. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
Height: 5106 Weight: 215
There’s a lot to like with Chris Polk and I can see why some value him as high as the second round. Unfortunately the downside scares me enough to grade him out as my 110th prospect in the draft. Polk has some serious durability concerns and lacks the explosion to be a full-time starter in the NFL. For those reasons, I wouldn’t touch Polk before the latter portions of round four.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 3-4
Final Grade: 5.6
Best of the Rest:
11. Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee Final Grade: 5.3
12. Michael Smith, RB, Utah St. Final Grade: 5.3
13. Chris Rainey, RB/WR, Florida Final Grade: 5.3
14. Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi St. Final Grade: 5.2
15. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor Final Grade: 5.2
16. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio St. Final Grade: 5.1
18. 17. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M Final Grade: 5.1
19. Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss Final Grade: 5.0
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