When Will The Running Back Run Begin?

Here’s what we know about this year’s running back class:

1. Trent Richardson is an elite talent and will be selected in the top 10, possibly as high as #4
2. It’s a deep class, aided by a number of talented underclassmen who delcared for this years draft
3. No other back outside of Richardson is regularly mocked in the first round

At some point, the run on runners is going to begin.  Forget about the perception that RB’s are easy to find, that they aren’t worth a high draft pick unless they’re off-the-charts elite like Richardson.  A talented runner can completely transform an offense, and there are a few in this draft who can make an impact as rookies.  Right now, there would seem to be a tight competition to be the second one off the board.  The consensus in mock drafts is Boise State’s Doug Martin.  Some believe Miami’s Lamar Miller posesses more game-breaking ability, and Oregon’s LaMichael James has been compared to Titan’s All-Pro Chris Johnson.  Personally, I like Virginia’s David Wilson as the second-best all-around back in this draft, followed closely by Martin.  Other’s who could warrant consideration as the first two days of the draft are Cincinnati’s Isiah Pead, Nevada’s Robert Turbin, Washington’s Chris Polk, San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman, and a few others.

My question is, who goes first after Richardson, when, and to whom?  It’s possible that someone at the end of the 1st round will surprise and take a Martin or a Wilson.  The Patriots could be looking for a running back, as could the Browns if they don’t get Richardson earlier.  The Lions could surprise us all if they’re sufficiently concerned enough about Javid Best’s durability.  Or it’s possible that chalk will rule the day and we won’t see these guys start to come off the board until round 2.

I contend that once the second domino falls, the rest could go in quick order.  The Rams have two picks at the top of the second round, and if they were to miss out on Richardson, they could certainly take a RB with one of them. That could start the run, and guys you thought would be available in the third round will start moving up the scale.

Might the second round be dominated by the RB position?  And who are your favorites?  Similar to the WR position, opinions on running backs seems to be all over the board.

Let’s hear what you guys think, post comments below.  Only ten days until the draft, time to get the discussion ramped up!

And as always, follow me on Twitter at HawkCoug08 or @nflmocks