[tps_title]1. Running Back[/tps_title]
Free agents: James Starks, John Kuhn, Kahlil Bell
Entering final contract year: DuJuan Harris
The Green Bay Packers will be set at running back for a while. Thanks to last year’s draft, the Packers will have Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin around through 2016.
Lacy is obviously the workhorse and should be good for 250 carries per season until his wheels fall off. Franklin didn’t get much playing time during his rookie season before ending up on injured reserve. He did have a 100-yard game against Cincinnati though and should be in line for a bigger role in 2014.
That’s because James Starks is a free agent. While Starks was a great compliment to Lacy in 2013, rushing for 493 yards, the Packers simply have no reason to re-sign him because of their depth.
In addition to Franklin, the Packers will also be getting DuJuan Harris back. Harris missed all of 2013 with a knee injury. Prior to that he had established himself as the Packers’ No. 1 back. He came into training camp carrying that designation after finishing the 2012 season strong.
Really, the only questions are how often do Franklin and Harris get to touch the ball and who’s going to be blocking for these guys?
We fully expect John Kuhn to re-sign with the Packers this offseason, so that will answer one of the questions. There might not be enough balls to go around to answer the other one.
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Goddamn I fucking love Eddie Lacy
Amen, brother.
I’ve never really had a “favorite player”…but in 1 season, Fast Eddie has become that guy
He’s probably my favorite player on this current team as well; he or Jordy, Rodgers, of course, is up there, as is Hayward. I can’t help but watch his highlight’s at least once a week, replaying his hit on Rhodes at least thrice every time. Dude’s just an awesome human being and footballer; here’s hoping he has a long and successful career in the Green and Gold.
I hear that brother, Lacy is the fucking man. Favorite by far.
I agree with this article, though who would believe that the day would come when Monty calls the offensive line a strength and says you could do worse than Bush as your dime corner.
However, I think the Packers’ two greatest positions of strength are not included here- QB and WR.
It would be a travesty of justice to not sign Matt Flynn, but Tolzien is under contract. So, even if the Packers don’t, they are in a better position at QB than they were last season.
And even if James Jones goes elsewhere, you still have Cobb, Nelson and Boykin at WR and Kevin Dorsey coming off of IR. Sure, you draft another guy there just for depth, but the WR position is pretty much set.
Hold up. Cornerback? Really?
Tramon – Solid, rounding back into 2010 form
Shields – Rosenhaus as agent? Gone
Hayward – Let’s slow down before we go all Finley on him and annoint him an all-pro because of his rookie season. Year 2 saw him unavailable. Jury is still out.
Hyde – Nothing but upside, but his value as an every down CB is untested.
House – Puhleaze! This guy has to be the slowest, least athletic CB I have ever watched play.
Bush – Great special teams guy.
That’s two solid players, Williams and Hyde. And that doesn’t make for a position of strength.
I agree.
TWill will be 31 — not a red flag, but a caution?
Shields just seems like he will take the big money, wherever that is.
Hayward has had multiple hamstring injuries and wasn’t fast previously.
Hyde may not have the speed to play corner (but will likely be ok close to the line).
House plays full-contact — before/after 5yds; before/after ball in air.
But I’m not worried… during camp last year, Whitt said that he had eight guys that could play in the NFL !!!
…oLine
I’m concerned about Center. Tretter hasn’t done much to be annointed the heir-apparent. Hope McCarthy doesn’t fiddle-dick too much with position swapping. IMO, Bulaga should go back to RT, coming off injury.
…QB
I’m not sure McCarthy is going to tailor an offense to Flynn, so his weak arm is a problem IMO. Or were those ducks just “back shoulder” throws?
…WR
A positive. Since TEs don’t have to block in GB, I’ll consider Bostick a WR, as well — should be OK.
Yes…Bulaga-RT…Bahktihari-LT…Sherrod-1st backup