Posted Sat Feb 25th by Jon Heath
As the 2012 NFL Draft draws closer, the Denver Broncos will get a closer look at all the top collegiate players this weekend in Indianapolis at the NFL’s annual Scouting Combine. With the running back position appearing to be one of Denver’s offensive needs, several backs have been linked to the Broncos in the past twenty-four hours.
Related: BT’s 1st Annual Interactive Mock Draft
On Friday evening, ESPN NFL Insider Cecil Lammey tweeted that the Broncos have been most associated with Boise State running back Doug Martin, Washington’s Chris Polk and Oregon’s LaMichael James (pictured). A few moment’s prior to Lammey’s tweet, Andrew Mason of MaxDenver.com reported that Utah State’s Robert Turbin has already spoken to the Broncos.
All four of the running backs will participate in the combine on Sunday, and were measured and weighed on Friday.  The foursome are all commonly considered among the top-ten prospects at their position, with Martin expected to go the earliest as a second-round prospect.
Name: Doug Martin |
Height, Weight: 5’9, 223 |
College, Film: Boise St., 2011 Highlights |
Experience: Senior, Two-Year Starter |
Projection:Â 2nd Round Pick |
Martin is a classic example of a player who is solid at everything but not “outstanding” in any particular area. Â Many scouts have him projected as a second round draft selection.
Name: Chris Polk |
Height, Weight: 5’11, 215 |
College, Film: Washington, 2010 Highlights |
Experience: Senior, Three-Year Starter |
Projection: 2nd to 3rd Round Pick |
Two games into the 2008 season, Polk was injured and subsequently missed the rest of his freshman season.  The next season, Polk became the team’s starting tailback and kept his job through his senior season.  He is projected to be a mid second round-to-third round selection in the draft.
Name: LaMichael James |
Height, Weight: 5’8, 194 |
College, Film: Oregon, 2011 Highlights |
Experience: Junior, Three-Year Starter |
Projection: Mid 2nd to 3rd Round Pick |
James was a flashy player on a flashy team, earning two Heisman Trophy presentation invitations since 2009.  With speed and agility, James has the ability to score every time he touches the football.  James is projected to be a mid second-to-third round draft selection.
Name: Robert Turbin |
Height, Weight: 5’10, 222 |
College, Film: Utah St., Career Highlights |
Experiences: Redshirt Junior, Two-Year Starter |
Projection: 4th to 5th Round Pick |
Turbin is currently projected as fourth-to-fifth round selection, but with a solid combine scouts say he could skyrocket himself into the second round.  With great athletic ability,  Turbin has the power to run over linebackers.  Turbin could go as high as the second round.
Keep an eye on these players throughout the combine. Â One of them could end up in Denver next season.
Published on 02/25/2012 at Sat Feb 25 18:00.
Tagged: Andrew Mason,Chris Polk,Denver Broncos,Doub Martin,LaMichael James,NFL Combine,NFL Draft,Robert Turbin.