Most NFL general managers will tell you that one must wait to evaluate the true value of a draft class. Some three to four years down the road, a clearer picture comes into focus.
This brings us to the class of running backs drafted in 2012.
Of the top 10 backs selected, including Falcons fullback Bradie Ewing, only two of them rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
Doug Martin is the latest casualty of the group, which was headed up by former Alabama star Trent Richardson, selected sixth overall by the Browns. Martin was released by the Buccaneers on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at the top 10 running backs selected in 2012:
-- Trent Richardson (sixth overall): Was a bust with the Browns and Colts
-- Doug Martin (31st): Rushed for more than 1,400 yards as a rookie and in 2015. Things went downhill from there.
-- David Wilson (32nd): A neck injury shortened his career after being selected by the Giants.
-- Isaiah Pead (50): Was not able to recreate the collegiate magic he flashed for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
-- LaMichael James (61): Was too small. Didn’t last.
-- Ronnie Hillman (68): Had a respectable career with the Broncos, Vikings and Chargers mostly as a special teamer.
-- Bernard Pierce (84): Played in 52 games and made just three starts.
-- Lamar Miller (97): Rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2014 with the Dolphins and 2016 with the Texans.
-- Robert Turbin (106): Was mostly Marshawn Lynch’s backup with the Seahawks.
-- Bradie Ewing (157): Injuries marred promising career.
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