GEORGIA’S STAFFORD, MORENO TURN PRO: Moreno’s pro prospects

Knowshon Moreno is one of several quality running backs that NFL teams will get to choose from in the upcoming draft.

Moreno, Michigan State’s Javon Ringer, Iowa’s Shonn Greene and Ohio State’s Chris Wells (who hasn’t said if he’s leaving) are considered the best available.

Many draft analysts have Moreno rated highest, and likely selected in the middle of the first round. But even if he’s selected outside the top 10, Moreno will still likely make a lot of money.

For comparison’s sake, Arkansas’ Felix Jones was selected by Dallas with the 22nd pick in last year’s draft. He signed a contract for $10.5 million, with $7.7 million guaranteed, including a $3.6 million signing bonus.

Here’s a look at the teams who would likely select Moreno, with their place in the draft noted.

12. Denver. The Broncos love Bulldogs (Terrell Davis, Champ Bailey come to mind). Mike Shanahan likely would have kept his job as Denver’s coach had he not lost seven running backs to injuries last season.

14. New Orleans. Deuce McAllister’s contract is up, and Reggie Bush has had more success as a pass-catcher than a between-the-tackles runner.

17. New York Jets. Moreno could play in front of his New Jersey friends and family should the Jets select him. RB Thomas Jones might have written his ticket out of town (or solidified his place on the team) after his recent comments about Brett Favre.

19. Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ season was pillaged after RB Earnest Graham went down with an injury. The offense could never find its rhythm after he went out. Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has proven too brittle to be counted on as a game-to-game ball carrier.

21. Arizona. Tim Hightower had a nice season for the Cardinals, but he isn’t the answer. RB Edgerrin James won’t be returning, either. Moreno could be a big player for the NFC West champs, if QB Kurt Warner will let him. Warner doesn’t play as well when the running game is the focus.

22. Philadelphia. An intriguing possibility. Brian Westbrook is one of the best RBs in the league, but there aren’t too many weeks when he’s not listed as questionable on the depth chart. Correll Buckhalter is also a solid RB, but could the Eagles pass on a third RB, after seeing the success the Giants have had?