Green Bay Packers' Position of Interest: Running Back

The Packers' running game is an underrated, overlooked unit, with underrated Ryan Grant paving the way. But, this unit is rated enough to be a position of interest this offseason, as one has not fully considered what the running game would look like with Grant out of the picture.

You can say this: it would struggle, and Packer fans would finally appreciate the value he brings, and how teams must cover and respect Grant's ground game. The backfield is truly bringing some interest and intrigue this offseason, as it is key for the offense to gain even more ground with a fresh, young gun slinging franchise quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.

The backfield hit home in 2007 when Grant was obtained for a sixth round draft pick from the New York Giants. He has revitilized the ground game the Packers have oft struggled with; other Packers like Jackson and Wynn have attempted, but were not fully ready to carry a load like Grant has.

The staff has been great on Grant, but his back-ups are truly in doubt. Jackson is a good pass protector, but hasn't been one you hand the ball to, and his receiving skills have been below average. Wynn was often injured, and saw little of the field, and struggled catching and pass blocking. They have not turned into longer term answers for Green Bay, and Jackson may still be considered trade bait.

Surprises were found in undrafted free agents Kregg Lumpkin and Tyrell Sutton, but Kregg was bitten by the injury bug, and Sutton was taken quickly after the Pack cut him. Now, the Pack have brought in more running backs for Jackson to compete with. And Jackson may not necessarily be the favorite; Lumpkin has not been in many discussions, which may mean his status with the team is in doubt. Starks is attracting attention as a new rookie behind Grant, and looking to get to the field, eventually uprooting Jackson from his third down Back role.

The backfield looks to be crowded, with another free agent running back signed, known as Porter.  Free agents are always long shots, but you never know. Free agents always surprise, and they have been an interesting case the last couple of years in Green Bay. But all you can do is follow.

Be aware that when the season begins, you can't be sure who will be in the backfield to give Grant a breather and take some carries off of his shoulders.