Packers Finally Add Running Back In Sixth Round

The Green Bay Packers were reportedly on the lookout for a running back in the NFL Draft and in the sixth round they finally added one, selecting Buffalo’s James Starks with pick No. 193.

In doing so, the Packers passed up more highly-rated prospects throughout the draft like Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer, who went at No. 188 to Pittsburgh, Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount and USC’s Stafon Johnson, both of whom hadn’t been drafted as of the Packers’ pick at 193.

Starks (6-2, 218) is another question mark pick, not only because he played in the Mid-American conference, but because he didn’t play at all in 2009 because of a shoulder injury.

However, when healthy, Starks was productive. He surpassed 1,000 yards in the 2008 and 2007 season and he’s fast for a bigger back, having run a 4.5 40-yard dash at the combine.

Here is NFL.com’s analysis of Starks.

Strengths
Starks has nice height, a good build and impressive overall size for a running back. Has the necessary speed to be a threat on the outside at the next level. Exhibits good acceleration and burst through the hole for a bigger back.

Weaknesses
Does not run with the power we’d like to see for his size. Starks has some straight line to him and isn’t going to shake a lot of tacklers. Durability is a concern after missing his senior year with injury.

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