This NFL draft class loaded with running backs

There hasn't been a running back drafted in the first round since 2012, but that drought should end this year.

Georgia's Todd Gurley would be a lock were it not for the torn ACL he suffered in December, but there's still a good chance he hears his name called in Round One on Thursday night, April 30.

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is a good bet to go in the first 32 picks as well after stockpiling eye-opening stats, including a 408-yard rushing game against Nebraska last year.

And there are some who believe a local prospect, Indiana's Tevin Coleman, could also be a first-rounder. The Tinley Park native and Oak Forest High School product rushed for 2,036 yards on a bad team whose opponents could afford to let the 5-foot-11, 206-pound workhorse eat up the clock.

Former Bears director of college scouting Greg Gabriel believes Coleman is the best running back in the draft.

Writing for the National Football Post, Gabriel said: "Coleman has a complete game. He can run with power between the tackles, is creative, and consistently gets yards after contact. He has the speed to turn the corner and is elusive in the open field.

"As a receiver, he is very reliable, runs good routes and has very good hands. Add to that the fact that he can already pass protect and is a dangerous kickoff returner."

When it comes to "hitting it up in there," nobody outdoes Coleman, who gets north-south in a hurry and in what appears to be a foul mood. His running style is often described as violent, and he doesn't shy from contact.

A foot injury kept Coleman from testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he still wasn't cleared for the Hoosiers' pro day on March 30, so he'll held his own day on Wednesday. But Coleman is clearly fast enough. Half of his 28 career touchdowns were 43 yards or longer, and eight of them were 64 yards or longer.

If Coleman slips into the second round, the Bears would have to at least consider him with the 39th overall pick, even though they have do-it-all workhorse Matt Forte and added Jacquizz Rodgers in free agency to challenge Ka'Deem Carey for playing time.

Otherwise, running back will not be an early priority for the Bears. But this crop of runners is deeper than in recent years. Ten could be gone by the end of the second day (Rounds 2 and 3).

Among the Day Two group is South Carolina's Mike Davis, whose decision to leave school with a year of eligibility remaining was made much easier late last season.

"My mom (Teresa Davis) was struggling," Davis said. "Before the last game, she got an eviction notice on her door. When she got that eviction notice, I knew it was time for me to come out.

"I was able to get her in a new house, so she's doing great right now. She doesn't have to work anymore, so she's loving her new place."

Davis' 4.61-second 40 time at the Scouting Combine wasn't impressive, but at South Carolina's pro day he had a better showing with unofficial times of 4.38 and 4.45. That, combined with his powerful running style and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield (66 catches and a 10.9-yard average per catch in his last two seasons) should translate well at the next level.

NFL teams waiting until the third day of the draft (Rounds 4-7) may still be able to add immediate help, especially if they're looking for situational runners, third-down options or players with return ability.

Texas A&M's Trey Williams is just a fraction over 5-foot-7 and weighs 195 pounds, but he could add a missing dimension to many offenses.

He lacks the size to be much more than an occasional change-of-pace running back in the NFL, but Williams averaged 6.6 yards per carry at A&M and 24.1 yards on 70 attempts as a three-year kickoff returner. He ran a 4.49 40 at the Scouting Combine and has the ability to return punts and catch passes out of the backfield.

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NFL draft primer: running backs

Player, school Ht. Wt. 40

Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin 6-1 215 4.52

Has the size, speed, production to end drought of 1st-round RBs in draft.

Todd Gurley, Georgia 6-1 222 4.42*

Faster, more talented and powerful than Gordon but coming off torn ACL.

Tevin Coleman, Indiana 5-11 206 4.53

Super acceleration, runs as tough as anyone but could be more patient.

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska 5-9 205 4.54

Elite intangibles, top run skills more than offset fumble concerns.

Duke Johnson, Miami 5-9 207 4.54

Goes 0-60 in a blink but not as effective as an inside runner.

Jay Ajayi, Boise State 6-0 221 4.57

Complete back with all the tools but lacks ideal speed and elusiveness.

T.J. Yeldon, Alabama 6-1 226 4.61

Big, versatile, creative runner who lacks the power his size would indicate.

David Johnson, N. Iowa 6-1 224 4.50

Could run tougher, lacks a burst but has good hands and can string moves.

David Cobb, Minnesota 5-11 229 4.81

Powerful, smash-mouth banger who finishes runs but can't get the corner.

Mike Davis, So. Carolina 5-9 217 4.61**

Not very elusive but runs hard and can be tough to corral.

*estimate, since no recent 40-time available because of knee injury.

** ran between 4.38 and 4.45 (wind aided) at his pro day on April 1.