Updated 4/30/2012

I think the 2012 class for RBs is fairly talented at the top — with Trent Richardson, one of the best RBs to come out of college in several years, being the obvious front-runner. But the top four guys are the only ones I would consider drafting for my dynasty team if I need immediate help. Then you have four guys who may contribute somewhat right away. And then there’s a long list of guys I would only draft if I have space on the bench or are in a very deep league. Not that they don’t have talent, but they are probably going to have a hard time finding a place in the league.

With the heavy emphasis on the running-back-by-committee approach in the NFL, however, it’s hard to be able to tell what the future really holds for any of these guys — especially when it comes to fantasy football production. But the top 15 on this list, at least, are worth keeping an eye on.

But here it goes for now:

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama, Browns
2. Doug Martin, Boise State, Buccaneers
3. David Wilson, Virginia Tech, Giants
4. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati, Rams
5. Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, Jets
6. Robert Turbin, Utah State, Seahawks
7. Lamar Miller, Miami, Dolphins
8. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M, Chiefs
9. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Colts
10. Bernard Pierce, Temple, Ravens
11. LaMichael James, Oregon, 49ers
12. Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech, Redskins
13. Adonis Thomas, Toledo, Tryout for Bears and Others
14. Dan Herron, Ohio State, Bengals
15. Chris Polk, Washington, Eagles
16. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State, Broncos
17. Chris Rainey, Florida, Steelers
18. Davin Meggett, Maryland, Texans
19. Tauren Poole, Tennessee, Seahawks
20. Michael Smith, Utah State, Buccaneers
21. Alvester Alexander, Wyoming, Bears
22. Jeremy Stewart, Stanford, Eagles
23. Antwon Bailey, Syracuse, Redskins
24. Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic, Redskins
25. Bryce Beall, Houston, Tryout for Cowboys
26. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky, Ravens
27. Travaris Cadet, Appalachian State, Saints
28. Lance Dunbar, North Texas, Cowboys

Here are my rankings from 2/29:

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama
2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech
3. Lamar Miller, Miami
4. Doug Martin, Boise State
5. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
6. Robert Turbin, Utah State
7. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
8. LaMichael James, Oregon
9. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State
10. Terrance Ganaway, Baylor
11. Bernard Pierce, Temple
12. Adonis Thomas, Toledo
13. Dan Herron, Ohio State
14. Chris Polk, Washington
15. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State
16. Chris Rainey, Florida
17. Tauren Poole, Tennessee
18. Alvester Alexander, Wyoming
19. Davin Meggett, Maryland
20. Lennon Creer, Lousiana Tech
21. Ty Jones, Florida State
22. Levell Coppage, Wisconsin-Whitewater
23. Jeremy Stewart, Stanford
24. Enrique Davis, Ole Miss
25. Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic
26. Bryce Beall, Houston
27. Antwon Bailey, Syracuse
28. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky
29. Jermaine Thomas, Florida State
30. Travaris Cadet, Appalachian State
31. Lampford Mark, Nevada
32. Foswhitt “Fozzy” Whittaker, Texas
33. De’Vion Moore, Missouri
34. Michael Smith, Utah State
35. Lance Dunbar, North Texas
36. Rashaad Slowley, Southern Connecticut
37. Steven Knight, Mississippi College
38. DJ McNorton, North Dakota State