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2012 NFL Draft Preview: Position-By-Position, Running Backs

Could Doug Martin be headed to the New York Giants?  (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)
Could Doug Martin be headed to the New York Giants? (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Let's continue our position-by-position look at the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft by reviewing the running back prospects in this year's draft class. Both the New York Giants and New York Jets could be in the market for a running back, with the Giants having a big enough need that a running back could be their choice at No. 32 in the first round on Thursday.

Top 5 Running Backs [Rated By SI.com]

Trent Richardson, Alabama
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | SB Nation Video
NOTES: Will be the first back taken. Could go as high as No. 4 to the Cleveland Browns.

Doug Martin, Boise State
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | Big Blue View Prospect Profile
NOTES: Could he be a New York Giant?

LaMar Miller, Miami
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report

David Wilson, Virginia Tech
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report

Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | Big Blue View Prospect Profile

Other Players To Watch

LaMichael James, Oregon; Robert Turbin, Utah State; Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M; Chris Polk, Washington; Bernard Pierce, Temple; Joe Martinek, Rutgers; Antwon Bailey, Syracuse.

NOTES: Martinek and Bailey are both unlikely to be drafted. Each, however, could end up in an NFL camp as an undrafted free agent.

New York Giants

There has been much, justifiable, speculation that Martin could be on the Giants' radar with the final pick of the first round. New York lost Brandon Jacobs to free agency, Ahmad Bradshaw's health is a question and no one knows if DJ Ware or Da'Rel Scott can handle a big workload. If the Giants don't take Martin it is still likely they will add a back at some point. Turbin is a power back who might fit [Big Blue View Prospect Profile], the Giants have been connected to Polk in several mock drafts, and New York did host Gray [Big Blue View Prospect Profile] for a visit.

New York Jets

The Jets want to get back to the 'ground and pound' philosophy coach Rex Ryan loves. They brought in Tim Tebow and will use him in a variety of ways to help their running game. They need a complimentary back to team with Shonn Greene. They won't go running back with the 16th overall pick. After that, though, taking a back is a possibility.