Running back is one of the more intriguing positions for the Cincinnati Bengals heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. With the ineffectiveness of the running game in 2016, Cincinnati could benefit to seek fresh blood come April 27. The Bengals averaged 4.0 yards per carry in 2016, tied for 20th in the league.

The rushing attack is headed up by power runner Jeremy Hill and change of pace back Giovani Bernard. Rex Burkhead, an all-purpose backup who made the most of playing time from injuries to Hill and Bernard last year, has left town for New England.

Hill has continued to put up mediocre stats since his breakout rookie campaign. He only managed 839 yards on 222 carries in 2016 for a 3.8 average. Remove a 74-yard touchdown run on Oct. 23 against the Browns and that numbers lowers to 3.4. His touchdown totals have stayed high though, with nine in 2016. He is not a factor in the passing game besides dump off passes and broken plays.

On one hand, you can argue that the Bengals need to replace Hill with a premier draft prospect. You could also argue that the offensive line’s play was very poor in 2016 and brought down the offense as a whole. It certainly didn’t help the rest of the running back corps.

Bernard has missed nine games over the past three seasons and is an uncertainty this year as he is coming off a torn ACL that ended his 2016 season in Week 10. Even when healthy last season, Bernard wasn’t contributing at levels he has in the past on the ground, though he still remains a viable receiving threat out of the backfield.

Special teams ace Cedric Peerman is also in the fold. He could see some snaps if the Bengals head into the 2017 season with out any additions in the backfield.

Related RB Leonard Fournette to visit with Bengals

Cincinnati could also pick a running back as early as the first round in the draft.

LSU’s Leonard Fournette is unlikely to fall to ninth overall, but if he does, don’t count out the Bengals picking him there. He’s 6-foot-1, 240 pounds and ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. Big, fast and powerful is something Cincinnati could benefit from if they decide to choose the best player available with their first pick.

The team is also showing interest in Florida State’s Dalvin Cook. They’ve held a private workout for the first round prospect.

Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon is a do-it-all back who has potential star power on the field. Off the field issues have caused Mixon’s draft stock to slide. However, the Bengals have shown in the past that they aren’t afraid to take a chance on a player who has a checkered past. If he’s available at 41, there’s a great chance Cincinnati could take him.

If Cincinnati goes in a separate direction at the top of the draft, a mid-late round player they can target is Pittsburgh’s James Conner. He’s big and powerful at 6-foot-1 and 233 lb, with solid speed and the ability to make in impact in the passing game.

Michigan’s De’Veon Smith is another possible mid round selection that fits the Bengals mold of big, powerful bell-cow runners.

At any rate, the Bengals will likely make an addition in the backfield. It just depends where that player will be drafted.