NFL Running Backs to Regain Their Draft Value in 2015

May 26, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Trent Richardson (33) catches a pass at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2012 No. 3 Overall

When at Alabama, Trent Richardson was put in Lynch’s category of great, powerful, elusive running backs. Richardson regularly pushed the pile and broke tackles, never letting the first man take him down. He was the type of runner that you can identify a franchise with, which is why he was taken No. 3 overall by the Cleveland Browns.

After a pretty good rookie year, the Browns switched to the zone-blocking scheme, a scheme he doesn’t fit. So they traded him to another zone blocking team, the Indianapolis Colts and he is now known as a bust. Richardson is relevant here because he was the last RB taken in the top five and needs to prove with the Raiders that scheme-fit was his undoing.

And on top of all that, he’s in competition with 2013 sixth-round pick Latavius Murray for a starting position. If Murray wins the job, the perception of being able to find a running back in the sixth round is strengthened. If Richardson wins it and succeeds, the NFL will see Richardson was a misfitted, make sure they get an RB that fits and not be afraid to spend a high pick on one.

Next: 2008 No. 8 Overall