The Book on Packers Fourth-Round Pick Johnathan Franklin
The Green Bay Packers traded back into the fourth round — their third pick of the round — to select UCLA running back Johnathan Franklin.
Apparently, they’re serious about improving their running game. The Packers picked Alabama running back Eddie Lacy in the second round, as well.
The 5-10, 205-pound Franklin pretty simply tore it up in 2012, when he ran for 1,734 yards and 12 touchdowns. Franklin also averaged just over eight yards per carry. He’s fast and he can make guys miss. Frankly, we were surprised he was still available in round four and we were more surprised the Packers picked him, considering they chose Lacy yesterday.
Franklin will need to add some muscle to hold up in the NFL. He also needs to get better in the passing game and as a blocker, but he has all the tools to be a dynamic player.
Also, see ya later James Starks and Alex Green. The Packers are actually shopping Starks.
The #Packers have made it known James Starks is on the trading block. No surprise. They've already drafted 2 RBs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2013
Don’t see many takers on that one.
Franklin ran a 4.46 40 and has a 31-inch vertical.
The Packers traded a fifth (No. 146) and a sixth (No. 173) to get this pick.
Here are some highlights.
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I was at the USC, UCLA game this past season. Granted- the USC defense was terrible. But this was a very good pick, he tore my Trojans apart
Great weapon.
Having 2 backs will compliment eachother.
It will extent their shelf-lives & add flexibility.
Lacy,Franklin,Harris,Iam a happy man right now
I see a Starks for Tebow trade in the near future…
As an H-Back, I would not mind…never happen though. Packers like to keep things quiet, except for hair shampoo, insurance and deodorant commercials.
This is why you stockpile all those picks- because it gives you the ability to trade up and go after guys.
I never imagined at the start of this draft that the Packers could get Lacy and Franklin, both a full round later than they were expected to go.
DialTone Jones must love this pick. Everyone who knows Franklin, respects him. He is a high-character guy.
He may only be a third down back in the NFL, but that finally fills that need.
When you include the signing of Mulligan, the Packers seem serious about their commitment to the run this season.
Wow. Can’t argue with the value they’re getting. Nfldraftscout has Lacy and Franklin as 1st and 2nd ranked backs in the draft.
We do not need another running back. We need need a safety. . …
Obviously, the Packers believe in MD Jennings and/or Jerron McMillian. I thought safety was a position of need as well, but apparently the Packer brass doesn’t agree…
So much for DuJuan Harris, back to the Ford dealership.
We drafted Micah Hyde to potentially play FS for us. People think SS was the need, actually it was a ball hawking saefty we needed more than anything. Micah could provide that potential plus he’s very good supporting the run….