Running backs are starting to become a dime a dozen in the NFL. Teams are using the running-back-by-committee (RBBC) strategy more and more due to injuries in their backfields.

If you can grab a quality, durable running back early to get you through the season and then steal another runner late in drafts for the playoff push, you could have a recipe for success.

The problem is finding diamonds out of all the coal.

There are several players right now with gigantic upside, but still outside the top few tiers of running back rankings. Most of these players are trending upward, so be prepared for a shift in value during the coming weeks.

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets – You will probably have to reach a bit to make sure you land this stud, but it will be worth it. In short work last season, Greene made Thomas Jones expendable. Toward the end of the football season and into the playoffs Greene looked like the future of the Jets. He led all running backs in rushing yards in the playoffs and will be the feature back along side LaDainian Tomlinson this season. Tomlinson is slowing down and will likely be the receiving threat to complement Green in the Jets’ run-first offense. If Green stays healthy look for Michael Turner-type production circa 2008.

Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals - I know the threat to throw the ball will not be as great for the Cardinals with the loss of Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin this offseason, which is why the Cards will be relying heavily on their running backs — the best of which is Wells. Wells showed why a teams (namely the Saints) were trying to trade back into the first round to draft him last season. Wells averaged 4.5 yards-per-carry and had seven touchdowns while splitting time with Tim Hightower. I expect Wells to be the main guy this year and it will show in production on the field.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions - Best will likely not be the starter at the beginning of the season, but Kevin Smith hurt his knee last season and was never really lighting the world on fire with his numbers. Best is a speedy back, the likes of which the league seems to be moving toward. For now Best is a sidekick for Kevin Smith, but do not be surprised if Best ends up the starter by the end of the football season. He could be a steal in later rounds of the draft.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans - Hopefully Slaton will bounce back from his horrific sophomore season. He has plenty of competition, but he also has the most play-making ability. Slaton showed his rookie year that he could compete in the NFL, but like Matt Forte he just could not follow it up. If he can stay healthy and work hard, he may be a running back that you can grab in the middle rounds that has first-round production.

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