Which teams should target running backs in 1st round?

Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns, and spent the last 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of the podcast "Football Today."

With the NFL draft around the corner, there are 12-15 teams that should be in the market for a running back somewhere in the early rounds.

This is a strong draft class at the position, with rushers of all shapes and sizes. There are bigger foundational runners like Leonard Fournette, D'Onta Foreman, Samaje Perine, and Wayne Gallman, and a very enticing group of receiving types in Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara. Joe Mixon, meanwhile, is in a class of his own on and off the field as the bigger, more prototypical every-down running back.

There are running backs that could one day be starters, and others ready to make an instant impact. The supply meets the demand.

So which teams should consider Fournette, Cook, McCaffrey, or even Mixon, in the first round?

Jaguars (4th overall)

It sure looks like Blake Bortles will remain the Jaguars' starting quarterback, at least for the short term. Therefore, Jacksonville needs to do everything possible to surround him with excellent supporting talent. Offensive line is the bigger need, but there isn't a lineman worth taking this early. Maybe Tom Coughlin will go old school, selecting Fournette and making him the offense's foundation.

Panthers (8th overall)

Two things are clear with Carolina's offense: 1) Cam Newton is taking far too much of a beating, and that simply can't continue, and 2) This offense takes a noticeable step backward when Jonathan Stewart is out of the lineup. The Panthers must find Stewart's successor in this draft. Fournette would be perfect in that capacity, taking stress off Carolina's franchise quarterback.

Saints (11th and 32nd overall)

The common thought process with the Saints' upcoming draft is "all defense, all the time." However, New Orleans has an extra first-rounder, and could surprise some by using an early pick on a skill-position player, whether it's a tight end, a wide receiver with deep speed, or a dynamic back like McCaffrey or Cook. Just imagine McCaffrey in the dome in Sean Payton's offense.

Eagles (14th overall)

Cornerback is far and away the biggest position the Eagles need to address. But this is an exceptionally deep draft at the cornerback position. What if they snagged McCaffrey with the 14th pick, then went cornerback back to back on Day 2? Carson Wentz would certainly approve.

Colts (15th overall)

The Colts' defense is a nightmare. They need basically everything on that side of the ball. The right side of the offensive line also needs to be addressed. But the thing is, Frank Gore can't last forever, and has already slipped. His successor should come from this draft class. Giving Andrew Luck a dynamic weapon like McCaffrey or Cook could take this offense to the next level.

Buccaneers (19th overall)

The Buccaneers gave Doug Martin big money to be their bell-cow running back, but his future with the team is clouded by a suspension. This is an offense predicated on having a true No. 1 running back and then taking shots downfield, often off play action, once the running game is established. As impressive as Jameis Winston is, he still needs a quality rusher in this scheme to succeed. Could Tampa Bay consider Mixon as early as 19?

Raiders (24th overall)

Marshawn Lynch is now in the mix, but the Raiders don't have a lot of major draft needs, and could potentially pull the trigger on a running back early. It's probably a long shot that such a move will occur in the first round, but if they think Mixon is a game changer, they might not wait until late in Round 2 to acquire him.

Chiefs (27th overall)

The Chiefs will probably add a guard to complete their offense early in the draft. This is also expected to be a very heavy defensive draft overall for Kansas City. But if McCaffrey or Cook are on the board this late, you can see why Andy Reid might be interested in adding a dynamic player to complement Spencer Ware.

Packers (29th overall)

The Packers could also go in several different directions with this pick. Ty Montgomery has a lot of ability, and now looks to be a full-time running back, but this team plays several poor-weather games, and needs a grinder in the Eddie Lacy mold. That will never be Montgomery's game. There isn't an obvious fit for such a runner this late in the first round, but it's worth noting.