Rookies Key to Success

You always expected a high draft pick to become a star in the NFL, but there is always a chance they do not pan out.  The Green Bay Packers will need two of their rookies, who have an enormous amount of potential, to be key contributors this season if they want to win another Super Bowl.  Eddie Lacy and Datone Jones may not develop into stars this season, but they need to be solid contributors in order for the Packers to be successful.  

Eddie Lacy was drafted this offseason to help improve the running game, and so far in camp he looks like the real deal.  Many people have already been extremely impressed with his ability and size causing him to receive comparisons to a young Steven Jackson.  As long as he is able to remain on the field, he will be a difference maker in the Packers offense.  They have been looking for a guy to become their every down back and Eddie Lacy is that guy.  With an improved running attack, lead by Lacy, the Packers offense and team will be even tougher to beat.  While their offense will continue to be one of the best in the NFL, their defense needs to improve from last year.  

The Packers have had trouble finding another pass rusher in recent years to complement Clay Matthews, but this offseason they might have found the right guy in Datone Jones.  While an ankle injury has caused him to miss practice time this Preseason, he will be a key to the Packers success this season.  He was drafted in the first round by the Pack in this past NFL Draft, and he has huge expectations to be a difference maker at defensive end.  If Jones and former first round pick Nick Perry can remain healthy, they should both instantly improve the Packers pass rush and defense. 

Eddie Lacy and Datone Jones were both high draft picks for the Green Bay Packers for a reason, and this season they need to be key contributors to the team in order for the Packers to have any chance of winning another Super Bowl.  While it will not be easy for these two rookies, they need to play to their strengths and be healthy in order to help the Packers win.  

Packers Steal Eddie Lacy

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson has hit gold in the 2013 NFL Draft with his first two selections, but drafting Eddie Lacy is the biggest steal in the first two rounds.  Eddie Lacy was the best running back coming into the draft and he fills an enormous hole on the Packers roster.  He was projected by many experts to be selected in the first round, possibly to the Packers with the 26th overall pick, but he ended up sliding all the way to the 61st overall pick.

Eddie Lacy is an inside power runner, who the Packers have desperately need for years to improve their below average running game.  He was a workhorse for Alabama in 14 games last season carrying the ball 204 times for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns.  He also caught 22 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

Mike Mayock of NFL Network loved the Packers selection:

"At 230 pounds, he's got much better feet than people think.  This guy's a three-down tailback.  He'll protect the quarterback.  He can carry 20 to 25 times a game.  For the Packers, who have been running the ball by committee, this is a perfect pick."

He definitely is NFL ready and should instantly make a solid impact for the Packers this season.  He gives the Packers the threat of running the ball on any down and will instantly improve the Packers offense.  The Packers got huge value with the 61st overall pick drafting the first-round talent, Eddie Lacy, and he will be a star for the Packers for the years to come.  

2013 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers dominate the air each and every season, but year-after-year quarterback Aaron Rodgers and gang are lacking a ground attack.  This team needs to draft a game changer with the 26th overall pick in the draft, a guy like Montee Ball.  Drafting Montee Ball would not just take the Packers offense to the next level this season, but he would give the Packers an explosive, dominating offense for the years to come.

The Packers will not spend a huge amount of money on a running back during the offseason, and even if the Packers do add a cheap, veteran running back, they should still make this pick.  Montee Ball is a workhorse who is able to run well between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield.

Throughout his four-year career at Wisconsin he produced at the highest level, averaging 231 carriers for 1,285 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns per season.  Not only did he rush all over defenses, he proved that he could catch the ball.  He averaged almost 15 catches per season for 150 yards.

Over Montee Ball's remarkable career he won numerous awards including the Doak Walker Award in 2012 (given to the top running back in college football), the Archie Griffin Award in 2011 (given to college football's MVP for the entire season), and he was a consensus All-American in 2011 and 2012.  Besides winning many awards, Montee Ball set the Division 1 FBS All-time touchdowns record (83) and rushing touchdowns record (77).

Montee Ball has proven that he is the best running back in this years draft class, and he would give the Packers the threat of running the ball on any given down.  Montee Ball is a game changer and explosive player, who the Packers need to take with the 26th overall pick in the NFL draft.  

Green Bay Packers 2012 NFL Draft Preview

With the 28th overall pick the Green Bay Packers select...?  The Packers have needs on both sides of the ball, but their top priority needs to be a player that will improve their awful defense.  The Packers need another pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews, and I think they need to take a proven college pass rushing linebacker or defensive end.  They also might now target a safety since they released Nick Collins earlier today.  I think the Packers will take a pass rusher with their first pick, but I would not be surprised if they did take a safety, even though it is not as big of a need.  The Packers need to get an outside linebacker who can step in right away and make a difference.  The answer to the Packers problems is outside linebacker Shea McClellin, from Boise State.  McClellin has the length and skills to be a great fit in the Packers defensive system, and he also has a lot of experience that will allow him to contribute right away.  The Packers have multiple needs, but the Packers will take a pass rusher, most likely Shea McClellin, with their first round pick.  I would not be surprised though if the Packers move up in the draft.

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