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Photo Blog: Breaking down the RBs
Cruising toward the 2012 NFL Draft get a quick glimpse at the Patriots Football Weekly prospect breakdowns for the running back position.
One of the rare bigger backs in the class, Ballard is tough and likes to finish his runs. At 5-10 and 220 pounds he's not fast, but does have pretty good feet.
Gray is a tweener-sized back with good production. He has some burst, good speed, can catch the ball and decent power. As a mid-round pick you could do much worse.
Rainey is an undersized athlete who can do it all. He's a playmaker that could see action all over an offense and special teams units. Has power for his size and is downright elusive with elite speed.
Another in a run of speedy, smaller backs, Hillman has a slippery, shifty running style that is intriguing.
Another speed-based runner with good production, Pead is also an option as a returner and to catch the ball. Pead may not be a primary runner, but he has the speed and athleticism to make NFL plays.
Is James too small (5-8, 194) to make it in the NFL or is he too electric not to? James is a playmaker who can take it to the house on any snap. You can't teach that. And it's hard to stop that.
I'm not as high on Martin as most others. He's a short, bowling bowl inside-out runner. His power is OK, but he seems to labor to get to full football speed. But he does show some burst.
Miller is kind of a one-year wonder and there are concerns about his football IQ. But he has good size and 4.4 speed. That's hard to ignore.
Wilson had one big year as a starter. He has great burst and can get the corner. He's not huge, but has the speed to make it work.
I have Turbin rated much higher than most. I love everything about him in terms of power and speed. He runs a little upright, but beyond that I think he can be the total package at the next level.
Richardson is the best running back prospect to come out since Adrian Peterson. I'll be stunned if he's not an star from day one. You name it, Richardson has that positive trait.
