The Packer Merry-Go-Round, Running Backs

The only "sure" thing the past few years at running back is John Kuhn!  The fullback position has been in the competent hands of Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!  Kuhn has finished his 7th season and should be good for at least one more.  His steady play, leadership, and special team help has been some of the best money the Packers have spent!  For depth, second year running pack Brandon Saine at 5'11 - 220lbs, should be able to fill in - just stay healthy!  Plus, in the Packer offense the many tight ends run similar patterns & pass block when needed.

Now, the running game!  Wow!  The past few years has been a revolving door!!  Alex Green, James Starks, Cedric Benson, Brandon Saine, Ryan Grant, and DuJuan Harris.

Here are the stats:
                                 Attempts        Yards             Yds/Att       Long            TD's
Alex Green                  135              464                   3.4              41                0
Cedric Benson             71                248                   3.5              11                1
James Starks                71                255                   3.6              22                1
Aaron Rogers              54                259                   4.8              27                2
DuJuan Harris             34                157                   4.6              21                2
Ryan Grant                 31                 127                   4.1             18                2
John Kuhn                  23                  63                    2.7             9                  1
Randall Cobb             10                 132                   13.2            28                0

As a team the Packers ranked 20th of the 32 NFL teams.  This ranking is deceiving, the teams of the Super Bowl, the 49er's & Ravens were ranked 4th & 11th respectively.  But also ahead of the Packers were the Chiefs who finished with the worst record in the NFL!  It would be nice to see a Green Bay running back break off a 60 yard run!  Or break a screen pass for 75 yards!

The key number is Yds/Att - Green 3.4, Benson 3.5, and Starks 3.6 doesn't cut it!!  Look at the top 5 rushers in the league Peterson 6.0, Morris 4.8, Lynch 5.0, Charles 5.3, and Martin 4.6.   The Packers need to have a better average per run, that make 2nd & 3rd down easier!!!

How about Free Agent Running Backs:

Reggie Bush (MIA) - Looking for his final payday at the age of 27, there's no guarantee that Reggie Bush will return to Miami where he's revitalized his career amassing 2000 rushing yards over the past two seasons and 2600 from scrimmage. However, both he and the Dolphins have expressed preliminary interest in each other, which casts a shadow over whether the "prize" of the running back crop may even go on the market.

Shonn Greene (NYJ) - The combination of productivity, explosiveness, and youth is nowhere to be found in free agency after Reggie Bush. Greene has some of those characteristics and averaged 4.2 per carry over his career and is coming off back-to-back 1000 yard campaigns, but hasn't broken a run longer than 36 yards in his career. Keep in mind that if Greene hits the market, it will be because the Jets are looking for an upgrade, which only affirms his modest value.

Felix Jones (DAL) - With DeMarco Murray missing significant time to injury again, Felix Jones turned in his worst statistical year to date and still did nothing to prove wrong his injury history. Though he played in every game, he carried a lingering injury from week to week, masking the explosiveness that made him so dangerous as a rookie. Looking at Murrary's numbers drop from just a year ago, it's possible Jones was just stuck behind a poor line and the expected change of scenery could bring some excitement back to his game.

Cedric Benson (GB) - It took Cedric Benson an awful long time to find an interested team a year ago. Only the running back-starved Packers were willing to give him a chance. A year later, there may not be much left for him if Green Bay decides to pass on Benson. Though he's received nothing but praise from inside the organization, backs on the downside of their career have become afterthoughts to an impressive infusion of young talent year after year.

Peyton Hillis (KC) - It's hard to tell if anyone will still buy into Hillis' 2010 season, but the list of suitors continues to diminish with each passing season. He's a bruising running back who gelled behind a good line and put up some unexpected numbers in Cleveland. Because he's only 26, he may get one more shot, but free agency wasn't kind to many running backs last time around.

Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) - Mendenhall is returning from a torn ACL, has been suspended a game for "conduct detrimental," and finished his season with 182 yards on 3.6 per carry. There may be some talent left in the former 1st round pick, but if he becomes a free agent, it'll be because a team that finish bottom 5 in yards per carry let him walkÑnot a good sign. Mendenhall could return to provide some surprise value, but he won't see a healthy payday right away.

Danny Woodhead (NE) - As a kick returner and passing down running back, Danny Woodhead has a niche that will draw interest. Shane Vereen looked okay at times and if the coaching staff believes he can fill Woodhead's role, he may be looking for a new employee, this time with an established brand.

Do not see anyone here that is a big upgrade on what we have now, maybe resign Cedric Benson, if we do not spend a ton of money!  He already knows the offense.

How about Running Backs in the draft:

1. Giovani Bernard | 5'10, 205 pounds | Running back | North Carolina **
2. Eddie Lacy | 6'0, 220 pounds | Running back | Alabama *
3. Marcus Lattimore | 6'0, 218 pounds | Running back | South Carolina *
4. Johnathan Franklin | 5'10, 205 pounds | Running back | UCLA
5. Jawan Jamison | 5'8, 200 pounds | Running back | Rutgers **
6. Andre Ellington | 5'10, 190 pounds | Running back | Clemson
7. Kenjon Barner | 5'11, 195 pounds | Running back | Oregon
8. Stepfan Taylor | 5'11, 208 pounds | Running back | Stanford
9. Montee Ball | 5'11, 212 pounds | Running back | Wisconsin
10. Mike Gillislee | 5'11, 209 pounds | Running back | Florida


How about Free Agent Running Backs:  2013 NFL Draft Running Back from SB Nation

I like Eddie Lacy from Alabama and Stepfan Taylor out of Stanford.  Lacy runs hard and looks durable and Taylor from Stanford looks like he could be a 3 down running back.