By drafting Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin, the Green Bay Packers quickly went from having little talent to an abundance of it at running back.
Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin bolster Green Bay Packers running game
The Packers were 20th in rushing yards per game last season. Expect that to change with two new running backs in the fold.
The Packers used the 61st pick in the draft on Lacy, the powerful Alabama back. Then in the fourth round, the Packers grabbed Franklin with the 125th overall pick. It’s safe to assume that Lacy and Franklin will be the top two running backs on Green Bay’s depth chart.
Many considered them to be the two best running backs in the draft this year. After averaging only 106.4 yards a game rushing last season, the Packers needed to hit on the position. An improved ground game should also help Aaron Rodgers, adding a much-needed dimension to the Green Bay offense. A threat to run the ball will also keep some of the pass rushing pressure off Rodgers.
Lacy is a strong runner who can churn extra yards with a patented spin move. He was at his best in Alabama’s biggest games last season, running for 181 yards against Georgia and 140 against Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game.
Most thought Franklin would go somewhere in the late second to third round range. But Franklin knows a little bit about working his way up. He was at one point the seventh running back on UCLA’s depth chart. He continually got better for the Bruins, running for 1,734 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.
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