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The main targets of their desire have an interesting blend of size, speed, pass-catching skills and versatility. The top tier, like the quarterback position, comprises just two players, but there is a solid nucleus of 10 or so prospects that can fit into the first three rounds based on the blocking scheme/ground attack preferred by teams still in need of a back past the first round.
There are also a number of mid-round type backs that have driven up their value. These include Eldra Buckley (Tennessee-Chattanooga), Alonzo Coleman (Hampton), Jackie Battle (Houston) and D.D. Terry (Sam Houston State).

TOP RUNNING BACKS

1. Adrian Peterson - 6016, 215, 4.40, Oklahoma

He's one of the most explosive running backs to enter the draft in recent years, but there is concern about his long-range durability. He has a rare blend of size, speed and power, and he did a much better job of setting up his runs this past season, showing a little more patience following his blocks and then bursting through the hole. Peterson reads and adjusts to opposing defensive units as he is such a threat to take it to the outside and cut up the field. He's a burner in terms of straight-line speed and is flexible enough to cut back or make defenders miss in the open field. He's also the type of back that can wear down opponents: Over 70 percent of his yards in college came after initial contact.

An average receiver out of the backfield, Peterson lacks natural hands and needs to work on running better routes. He does a solid job of picking up blitzes but will drop his head on some cut blocks and get engulfed by some bigger defenders.

His injury history, including both shoulders and some ankle issues, has some teams concerned about his long-term durability. They feel that he will be great for four to five years and then break down. He has a history of fumbling, too, usually after contact or when he is fighting for extra yards.

2. Marshawn Lynch - 5112, 217, 4.46, California

Marshawn is referred to as "the beast" by his California teammates. He's an excellent fit for any team looking for an every-down back that can also contribute as a receiver, both out of the backfield or if motioned to the slot. He runs with great vision and quickness while showing the power to finish off runs, and he shows the keen ability to cut and maintain his current level of speed and then further accelerate in a few strides. He is impossible to bring down in stride, and will usually take 2-3 defenders to finally drag him down. Lynch is very quick and elusive, and when he's near the endzone, he doesn't miss often. Lynch has showed natural hands as a receiver and is a smooth route runner out of the backfield. He does a good job of picking up the blitz but can be overwhelmed at times by bull rushers. He's a great effort player even though he is so naturally gifted, and he's known to be a great teammate and leader by others on the Cal offense. Can also return punts and kickoffs.

In his career, Lynch has had a few fumbles, which mainly come because he does not always switch the ball to protect it in the open field. He also mishandled a few on toss or pitch plays, but that comes from looking up field rather than securing the ball first.

Marshawn is a complete back. He is quick, fast, strong, can catch the ball, can run the ball, can even play special teams. Teams that are looking for a dual-threat back may favor Lynch over Peterson. He is a can't miss prospect.

3. Brian Leonard - 6016, 226, 4.52, Rutgers

This is one of the best pure football players in this year's draft – one that is versatile enough to play either running back or fullback at the next level. Leonard bulked up for his senior campaign in order to serve as the lead blocker for Ray Rice, but what impressed both scouts, coaches and teammates alike was that, unlike most potential pro athletes, he put his team and its needs ahead of his own after having gained over 3,900 yards of total offense in his first three seasons with the Scarlet Knights.

He has some of the draft's best hands out of the backfield, having totaled 207 career receptions. He was able to bruise his way to yardage in the second half of games, but he also has quick feet to the hole and can bounce a few carries outside for big gains. A good cutback-style runner, Leonard uses very good vision, balance and power to consistently gain yardage. That said, he needs to make better use of his size once he gets into the open field. He has been susceptible to being tackled around the ankles or when defenders grab at his legs.

Still not a great blocker. A very good cut blocker, he can stand his ground firmly when picking up the blitz. He will dip his head at times and lead in without having the full balance of his body weight underneath him. Can not be locked into a slot. May not be considered an elite player at either fullback, halfback or tightend. Takes too many hits.

Great college talent who may produce less than some expect at the next level if he goes to the wrong team that doesn't use him properly. Leonard proved to be a viable and productive member of the backfield from both the fullback position and half back position.

4. Michael Bush, RB, 6013, 243, DNR 4.54 (Unofficial), Louisville

He's an intriguing, huge runner who plays with the instincts of a small, elusive back. He lacks explosive speed. Has some outstanding lateral moves and agility for a guy of his dimensions. Runs downhill hard. Will run people over. Has really concentrated on getting more YAC, and will carry tacklers. A smart, patient runner with great power who can move a pile. Can be deadly in the halfback option pass area, as he is a former top-drawer HS quarterback. Has superb hands and runs good routes. Was productive both as a receiver out of the backfield as well as splitting out wide. Good hands. Improving blocker. Was very productive at every level and just seems to have a nose for the endzone.

If he can learn to stay a little lower through the pile and avoid some big hits, he'll be able to avoid far fewer injuries. Too upright and needs to run with a lower pad level. Is not quite as physical of a runner as you'd think he would be considering his size. Lacks breakaway speed and won't run away from people in the pros. Not overly nifty or elusive. Will get overweight at times and has durability concerns.

He broke his leg in the 2006 and will need to show he is willing to work and keep himself in shape, especially coming off the major injury. A phenomenal athlete. A versatile prospect with starting potential in the mold of Jamal Lewis who may wind up being a steal for someone if he falls to the latter portion of Day One

5. Antonio Pittman - 5108, 207, 4.40, Ohio State

Prototypical inside runner who prefers to go up the gut. Won't loose yards and uses north-south lanes to move forward. Power; is very tough to bring down and won't go down on first contact. Deceptively fast. With the ability to both grind out tough yards between the tackles and effortlessly scoot past defenders when bouncing the play outside. In terms of ball security, having turned the ball over just once in each of the past two years despite 250-plus touches in each of those campaigns. Nifty, has good balance and does not go down easily. A big play threat who can take it the distance. Showed good hands and pass catching potential in limited chances. A solid effort blocker. Was very productive and he got better every year

He has stayed away from major collisions at the point of attack and can be more of a finesse runner than just bull his way when confronted with tight situations. Does not possess elite speed. Runs very upright which could lead to injury. Is not a threat to catch passes out of the backfield. Used purely as a safety valve with the Buckeyes, Pittman needs work on his route running. He could probably bulk up.

Of the top-ranked running backs, he is on the smaller side, which shows you where today's game is headed when 5-foot-11 and nearly 200 pounds can be thought of as being under-sized.