2011 is a deep year for running backs.

Despite what some prognosticators like Peter Kings of SI have said, the odds of the Buccaneers selecting a running back early in next month’s draft are pretty minimal. Besides having found a potential stalwart back in LeGarrette Blount last season, the Bucs will look to either add a veteran back-up (most likely through re-signing Cadillac Williams) or to add a back in the later rounds. But make no mistakes about, the Bucs have bigger, more pressing needs. Especially in light of recent concerns about the team’s corners.

Top Five Running Backs:

1.) Mark Ingram, Alabama- Ingram has been the top running back in this draft class for two years. A very talented, multi-dimensional back from Alabama, Ingram looks NFL-ready. There’s not much that Ingram can’t do from a football standpoint, he’s an every down back who can play pass-pro or catch balls out of the backfield. He’s a nice blend of speed and power in a good frame for a running back and he runs with a low center of gravity. The one knock on Ingram is that he’s not truly elite at anything he does, just very good at everything. That’s really not a big concern though. Ingram comes from a pro-style system at Alabama and should be ready to contribute from the outset of his first year. I look for him to be gone by the middle of the first round.

2.) DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma- This is a bit of a deviation from what others might think, but Murray really only has one knock on him: his injuries. Admittedly (and especially for a tailback) that’s a pretty big concern, but Murray’s potential and ability are also frequently discredited too as a byproduct of his injury concerns. Murray has ideal NFL size and athleticism and comes with the pedigree of having replaced a major star (Adrian Peterson) at a major program. Murray can contribute on special teams in addition to taking solid carries. And even with his collegiate injuries his production was still more than impressive. 50 touchdowns and a 4.9 YPC average is not easy to come by at Oklahoma.

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