Washington running back Chris Polk enters the 2012 NFL Draft as a junior whose eligibility has come to an end after failing to take a medical redshirt in 2008.

From 2009 to 2011, Polk averaged 4.9, 5.4 and 5.1 yards per carry, respectively. He compiled 4,016 rushing yards and 78 receptions over the past three years, while scoring 30 offensive touchdowns during this timeframe.

Production at a nice price

Strengths

• Always keeps his legs moving and runs with a low pad level
• Strong insider runner with enough speed to turn the corner
• Ideal size (5-foot-10, 224 pounds)
• Ball security
• Quality blocker - willing to stick someone and always fights to protect the quarterback
• Capable receiver out of the backfield with experience being flexed out wide
• Adept at running screen plays
• Arsenal includes a balanced spin move and a powerful stiff arm
• Productive (at least 1,400 rushing yards the past two years)
• One-cut-and-go style runner

Weaknesses

• Lacks explosion and straight-line speed to break many long plays
• Injury concerns (two shoulder surgeries, knee scope)
• Tends to dive low as a pass protector
• A fair amount of mileage and will turn 23 as a rookie
• Lacks upside - highly unlikely that he will be special in the NFL

Expected draft placement

Widely viewed as a top-five running back in this class, Polk will be jockeying for position behind Trent Richardson. A strong showing at the Scouting Combine could do wonders for a back that is considered to lack elite athleticism.

Polk will likely come off the board in the late second round or early third. Teams that could be interested in him include the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams.