It’s certainly not a dire need, but adding a running back with breakaway speed is something that would really help the Green Bay offense. “I thought [GM] Ted Thompson might’ve taken a chance on Steve Slaton (Texans) in last year’s draft,” said a scout for another NFC team. “That type of player would make a real difference – especially out of the backfield on third down. [Quarterback] Aaron Rodgers likes to dump the ball off and the current backs have a very difficult time doing much after the catch.” Ryan Grant averaged only 6.4 yards on 18 receptions in 2008 and Brandon Jackson’s numbers (6.2 on 30) weren’t any better.
Some of the backs who fit the above criteria and who figure to be available in the middle to late rounds include Florida State’s Antone Smith, Wyoming’s Devin Moore, Arizona State’s Keegan Herring and Kentucky’s Tony Dixon. “I don’t think Thompson sees drafting any type of running back – especially an undersized one – as a priority early, but maybe he can get lucky with someone like Herring later on,” opined the scout. “Remember, [the Jets'] Leon Washington and [San Diego's] Darren Sproles both went in the fourth round. Could you imagine the Packers offense with either one of those guys?”
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