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INDIANAPOLIS –
The hype began at the NFL Combine.
With general managers from around the league scouting 2015 draft prospects, the running back group had their attention
"I think there's some exceptional players in this draft at the running back position," Chiefs GM John Dorsey said at Lucas Oil Stdium.
"This year, I think a couple of those running backs at the top have a chance to be special," Cardinals GM Steve Keim said.
"I know there are some pretty unique running backs coming out in this draft class," Vikings GM Rick Speilman said.
The comments from the men who will be selecting players later this week had a much different tune compared to what recent history has shown at the running back position.
A running back has not been drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in the last two years. In 2014, a running back wasn't taken until pick No. 55 (compare that to 9 receivers taken in the first 54 picks).
From 2009-2012, 10 running backs were chosen in the opening round (six of those came between spots 27-32).
Come Thursday night, that trend could be history.
Count Ryan Grigson as a believer in this year's running back class.
"I think it's strong and there are a lot of different types of backs," Grigson said of this year's ball carriers.
"There's one that we call a freeway type runner, that don't have a lot of shake and bake, or make you miss, or creativity, but if there's a lane, they can hit their head on the goalpost because they have really great top end speed and big play ability. There's those big play runners in the draft. There's those grinders in the draft. There's those third-down complementary guys in the draft. It's nice to see."
If the Colts add another running back later this week, it won't be a surprise.
As the Colts began their offseason program last week, a trio of proven running backs led the group.
Frank Gore is the headliner entering his 11th NFL season.
Boom Herron returns for another season with the Colts and carries some major momentum after watching his role grow exponentially late in 2014.
Vick Ballard is expected to return to the field at Training Camp, however, expectations for him must take in the uncertainty following consecutive season-ending injuries.
The Colts have seen first hand the need for several backs to survive and adapt through an NFL season.
Fans have definitely been intrigued by the prospects of the Colts possibly drafting IU's Tevin Coleman later this week.
Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton was at Coleman's Pro Day earlier this month as teams saw the IU speedster show no ill effects of a 2014 foot injury.
Would taking Coleman at No. 29 be too high? What are the chances of Coleman still being on the board when the Colts pick in the second round (pick No. 61)?
These are all questions Grigson will weigh Thursday-Friday at a running back position that has forced general managers to think a bit differently compared to past years.
"Along with wide receiver, there's going to be some guys that are pushed down that I think are going to be some real value picks," Grigson said of the depth at running back.
"It's nice to see but again, it's who's up there and I think we've shown, regardless of need, I think we've shown to be pretty disciplined to our board in taking the best player available, even if it looks unorthodox from the outside."
