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The Green Bay Packers drafted Eddie Lacy in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft in hopes of adding some punch to a rushing attack that ranked 20th in the NFL with 106.4 yards per game. Last season, the attack was led by Alex Green who averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and led the team with 464 yards. The prospect of adding a running back with Lacy’s collegiate track record has many fantasy owners wondering if he will be someone to draft in their upcoming drafts.
Lacy fell to the Packers in the second round because of injury concerns. So far, Lacy hasn’t done much to change that outlook as he has missed time with a hamstring issue in camp so far. Still, Lacy figures to be the main back in a still potent Packers offense.
The Packers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Ryan Grant in 2009 and the running game has not been shown much attention, either in personnel or in their contribution on the field. Lacy is an intriguing option simply because the Packers’ passing attack, and offense in general, is among the best in the NFL. However, don’t expect Lacy to suddenly force the Packers to throw less and run more.
First and foremost, Lacy has to get on the field. Second, he has to show he can be an effective runner in the NFL and the only way that happens is by getting healthy and staying healthy. There isn’t much in the way of competition for Lacy. James Starks and Alex Green are the leaders of the unit but neither causes much excitement. Starks hasn’t lived up to the potential he showed in the playoffs a couple of years ago and was a wasted draft pick for many fantasy owners over the last couple of years.
The Packers offense will still be focused on the passing attack. Aaron Rodgers is the bread and butter of this offense and the Packers will live and die on his right arm. In several mock drafts Lacy has gone in the fourth or fifth round as fantasy owners look to bolster their rushing attack. That is just insane. Lacy is no more than a possible flex option because he won’t be the first, second, third or even fourth option in the offense on average. That is problematic for any Lacy owner.
There are so many better options out there to be had ahead of Lacy. He might enjoy a breakout season but given the recent history on the Packers and his own injury history he should be more of a late-round pick than someone to take in the middle rounds.
Chris is a Senior Writer as well as the Hiring and Recruiting Manager for Rant sports. Follow Chris on Twitter and “Like” his page on Facebook.
