Mayock breaks down RB draft prospects

NFL NETWORK analyst Mike Mayock, a Newtown Square resident, will break down each position in advance of the draft for Daily News readers. Here is Part 2 with his take on the running backs:

BEST

TRENT RICHARDSON

Alabama

5-10 1/8, 227

Hand: 9 1/2

40-yard dash: 4.47

225-bench: 25

Projected Rd.: 1 (picks 4-6)

Mayock: "Richardson might be the best non-quarterback in the draft. He won't make it past 6. He's as close as I've seen to Adrian Peterson. He's a three-down guy. He pass-protects. He's a bear with the ball in his hands and he's an adequate pass-catcher.''

RISER

RONNIE HILLMAN

San Diego State

5-8 ¾, 200

Hand: 8 1/2

40-yard dash: 4.45

225-bench: 17

Projected Rd.: 3

Mayock: "He's a make-you-miss, third-down, change-of-pace guy. He only played 2 years at San Diego State. He's a third-year sophomore. There are some upsides to the kid. I think teams are trying to figure out whether he can be a return guy because he wasn't in college. If he can return punts or kickoffs, it adds to his value. I like him in the third round.''

SLEEPER

JONAS GRAY

Notre Dame

5-9 ¾, 230

Hand: 10

40-yard dash: 4.46

225-bench: 20

Projected Rd.: FA

Mayock: "He was completely off the radar going into last year. Then he had a breakout season and tore his ACL at the end of the year. He probably won't get drafted because of the injury. But you're talking about a 220-230-pound kid with excellent feet. Once he's healthy, I think he's going to be a real value pick for somebody.''

-Paul Domowitch