This year's draft class of running backs isn't likely to have a player selected in the first round and might not have one go in the early second round, either. But there is a lot of depth to this class for teams looking to take a runner in the middle or later rounds.
How does the board stack up? I've ranked the running backs below and grouped them based on their round grade and included the average number of running backs to go off the board in each round over the past five years. You'll also see the traits we study when evaluating runners and the teams that most need to select a running back in the 2014 draft.
First-round grades
None
Second-round grades
1.Carlos Hyde, Ohio State (Grade: 86): A tough, aggressive, physical runner with prototypical size and good top-end speed for a power back. Has the versatility to catch passes out of the backfield and help in pass protection.
2. Bishop Sankey, Washington (Grade: 82): A hard runner with above-average instincts and a good blend of height, weight and top-end speed. Makes violent cuts and has very good lateral quickness.