When evaluating running backs and fullbacks, it is important to consider all aspects of their games -- competitiveness, vision/patience, agility/acceleration, power/balance and their skills in the passing game.
Here's how we rank the top running backs on Scouts Inc.'s initial 2012 draft board in each of the above skill sets (non-seniors noted with an asterisk), as well as a look at all draftable running backs and fullbacks, market trends at each position and 2011 Day 1 running backs.
Competitiveness
There is a lot more to running ability than size, strength and speed. It starts with insatiable will to gain as many yards on a given play as humanly possible and then continue to fight for one more. Ball security is included in this area.
Top three in class
1. Trent Richardson, Alabama*
2. Doug Martin, Boise State
3. David Wilson, Virginia Tech*
Vision/patience
Vision is crucial in all aspects of a running back's job. Great runners typically anticipate creases before they open up. They also anticipate the defensive flow and see cutback lanes opening up on the back side. Great route-runners show the vision to find soft spots in zone coverage. Great blockers see the blitzing linebacker coming quicker than most.
Top three in class
1. Richardson
2. Tauren Poole, Tennessee
3. Martin
Agility/acceleration
Good runners have the ability to stick their foot in the ground and accelerate quickly through the hole. In addition, they possess the lateral quickness to navigate through tight spaces. They also have the ability to stop and start with fluidity and avoid defenders in space. The great ones have an extra gear to outrun pursuit and hit the home run once they get in the the open field
Top three in class
1. Lamar Miller, Miami*
2. Chris Rainey, Florida
3. Lamichael James, Oregon*
Power/balance
The powerful runners possess a low center of gravity to absorb initial contact and stay on their feet. They keep their legs churning and have the ability to run through arm tackles. In addition, they possess the strength to push the pile in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
Top three in class
1. Richardson
2. Terrance Ganaway, Baylor
3. Darrell Scott, Central Florida*
Passing game
Plucks passes on the run, catches over his shoulder and adjusts to the poorly thrown pass. Gets open versus both zone and man coverage. Is a willing blocker. Displays effective technique and is tough/strong enough to sustain. Shows good awareness when picking up the blitz.
Top three in class
1. Chris Polk, Washington
2. Martin
3. Rainey
Bryce Brown is the only running back with a draftable grade who was not invited to the combine. Players without draftable grades who were invited: Nevada's Mike Ball* and Texas' Fozzy Whittaker
The following are graphic representations of the number of running backs and fullbacks selected in Rounds 1 and 2 in 2011, as well as numbers in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their draft boards each year.
Todd McShay is the director of college football scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998. Scouts Inc.'s Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl also contributed to this report.