2012 NFL Draft rankings: Running back

by Dan Kadar on Jul 3, 2011 10:30 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

The class of the 2012 NFL Draft running back group is truly with the juniors.

Trent Richardson of Alabama may be a better player than former teammate Mark Ingram and Knile Davis of Arkansas isn't far behind. Then there are Oregon speed merchants LaMichael James and the underrated Kenjon Barner. Both compare favorably to C.J. Spiller of the Buffalo Bills.

One of the more underrated senior runners is Brandon Bolden of Mississippi. He's not going to dazzle people with his elusiveness or speed, but is a good all-around back with good technique.

1. Cyrus Gray | 5'10, 196 pounds | RB | Texas A&M

2. Brandon Bolden | 5'11, 215 pounds | RB | Mississippi

3. Montel Harris | 5'10, 200 pounds | RB | Boston College

4. Isaiah Pead | 5'10, 200 pounds | RB | Cincinnati

5. Dan Herron | 5'10, 205 pounds | RB | Ohio State

6. Doug Martin | 5'9, 201 pounds | RB | Boise State

7. Tauren Poole | 5'11, 213 pounds | RB | Tennessee

8. Jeff Demps | 5'8, 180 pounds | RB | Florida

9. Marc Tyler | 5'11, 228 pounds | RB | Southern California

10. Lance Dunbar | 5'8, 198 pounds | RB | North Texas

JUNIORS:

1. Trent Richardson | 5'11, 220 pounds | RB | Alabama *

2. Knile Davis | 6'0, 220 pounds | RB | Arkansas *

3. LaMichael James | 5'9, 185 pounds | RB | Oregon *

4. Kenjon Barner | 5'11, 180 pounds | RB | Oregon *

5. Chris Polk | 5'11, 215 pounds | RB | Washington *

6. Andre Ellington | 5'10, 190 pounds | RB | Clemson *

7. Montee Ball | 5'11, 236 pounds | RB | Wisconsin *

8. Bernard Pierce | 6'0, 218 pounds | RB | Temple *

9. Rex Burkhead | 5'10, 210 pounds | RB | Nebraska *

10. Stepfan Taylor | 5'11, 210 pounds | RB | Stanford *

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Comments

David Wilson is bound to emerge this year

Very similar to Clemson’s former James Davis (light but strong, north-south runner), only topped off with some track-star home-run speed.

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
-Mark Twain

by kinzav29 on Jul 4, 2011 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

I think Tauren Poole

Could surprise this year and move up those rankings. Seems every time I catch a moment of a Tennessee game the dude is breaking of a 25 yard run.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Jul 4, 2011 1:37 AM EDT reply actions

Rex “Superman” Burkhead is going to have a huge year.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 4, 2011 2:10 AM EDT reply actions

He’s going to have to unless your QB figures things out.

"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun."

by ct17 on Jul 4, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Praying for a miracle on that one.

But Helu graduated, and Dontrayevous Robinson transfered. It will be Rex and 3 newcomers (Aaron Green, Ameer Abdullah, and Braylon Heard). The youngsters are crazy talented, but they still haven’t played a single down of college football.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 4, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Watch out for Lennon Creer.

If he’d have remained at UT instead of transfering to Louisiana Tech, he may be in the discussion for 1st round consideration. I see him emerging to being a late 2nd round, early 3rd round pick.

by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Jul 4, 2011 10:36 AM EDT reply actions