Green Bay Packers Past & Future Position Analysis, Part Two: Running Backs

Part two of my position analysis focuses on the running back position. I will look at each player individually and then analyze the status of the position for both 2008 and the future.

Ryan Grant: 312 carries, 1203 yards (3.9 average); 18 catches, 116 yards (6.4 average); 330 touches, 1319 total yards (4.0/touch), 5 TDs, 3 fumbles lost

Grant had a slow start because of a hamstring injury. He had that injury because of a contract holdout.

I agree Grant's demands were awfully high for a player who had really only performed for nine games the year before. However, General Manager Ted Thompson's counter was too low from a guy who supposedly is refusing to spend up to the cap because he believes in saving cap money to re-sign his own players.

Maybe if these guys were putting the team first, Grant could have been in camp on time and the Packers could have had a more consistent running game. Perhaps then the defense would not have been as under duress and could have stayed healthier.

The difference between winning and losing is often very slim in today's NFL. That was especially the case for the Packers, who lost eight games by four points or fewer. What kind of butterfly effect that contract holdout had we will never know.

What we do know is that Grant dropped off in yards per carry by more than a yard compared to his 2007 numbers, scored three fewer times, and lost two more fumbles. There were 29 running backs who had more touchdowns, and Aaron Rodgers had as many among his teammates. Still, he did generate over 80 yards a game of offense for the Packers, and he ranked ninth in the league in rushing.

Brandon Jackson: 45 carries, 248 yards (3.5 average); 30 catches, 185 yards (6.2 average); 75 touches, 433 yards (5.8 average), 1TD, no fumbles lost

Jackson did quite well as the back-up running back. In fact, I was surprised that his rushing numbers were so low, because often he was pushing Grant for playing time because he was performing so well. I chalk the low average up to the backup getting the call a lot late in games that the Packers had their leads in.

Jackson also showed signs of being the receiver out of the backfield he was drafted in the second round of 2007 to be. He also gives the Packers depth at the position that is essential in the modern NFL.

DeShawn Wynn: 8 carries, 110 yards (13.8 average); 3 catches, 30 yards (10.0 average); 11 touches, 140 yards (12.7 average), 1 TD, no fumbles lost

Wynn's season was made on one play, a 73-yard TD run in the final game of the season. Outside of that play, he accounted for only 10 offensive plays and 67 yards. Still, with the limited action he received, he was effective, and makes a good third option for the team at running back.

Kregg Lumpkin: 1 carry, 19 yards

Lumpkin made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2008 through his outstanding play in the preseason. He blocked well and showed great promise running the ball because he never quit on a play. He made the most of his one carry against Detroit in week two, but spent most of the season on injured reserve.

Korey Hall: no rushes, 7 catches, 38 yards (5.4 average), 1 TD, no fumbles

Hall is a converted linebacker in his second year out of Boise State. He played only 11 games this season (starting five) because he was another of a long line of injured Packers. His last start was against Houston December 7, and he was able to return as a back-up against Detroit in the season finale.

His injury problems may have had something to do with the Packers problems running the ball, because what Hall does best is block. When he went out before the Cowboys contest, the Packers lost three in a row. When he returned, Green Bay won their next two (including beating a playoff team) and lost the two after that narrowly, both to playoff teams.

John Kuhn: 8 carries, 10 yards (1.3 average); 4 catches, 21 yards (5.3 average); 12 touches, 31 yards (2.6 average), 3 TDs, no fumbles lost

Kuhn might be best remembered for failing to punch in the one-yard touchdown against Carolina and then failing to get the first down the following week. However, he was a pretty good blocker and a capable receiver, especially near the goal line.

Grade for 2008: C+

Grant provided a couple monster games and a threat in the backfield, but lacked closing power and did not hit the home runs he had in 2007, dropping from 11 to six plays of 20-plus yards. He was a solid but unspectacular receiver. Add in an above average second and third back, and the running back position is good enough to keep teams honest and to even take hold of a couple games if the passing game fails.

The fullback position did little to impress this season, but in this offense it is not called on to do that. In fact, Pro Bowl fullback William Henderson seldom got the 29 yards (or the nine carries) this tandem had in 2008. Perhaps coach Mike McCarthy tried to get too much out of Kuhn in the running game, but his ability to close near the goal line made him an asset nonetheless.

Outlook for the future: B-

Grant does not have a lot of mileage on him and is under contract for four more years. He has a limited track record with one-half of one great season and another with mixed results. Nevertheless, he has accounted for over 2400 yards in two seasons, so he is at least an above average back.

Jackson is coming into his own, and was considered one of the top running backs taken in the 2007 draft. He should not only be capable of spelling Grant, but also challenging him if he does not get better. If he remains a backup, he may be able to be re-signed because he should not end up being expensive; however, he may want to leave in that case to get a chance to start. Thus, his long-term future with the team is in doubt.

Wynn is a fine role-player, but not an impact player. He is not likely to get many chances elsewhere, and may get bumped off the roster by another young back with promise.

Lumpkin may well be a great back, a suitable back-up, or end up off the roster to make way for someone else—there has not been enough action to tell. However, I see him as pushing for playing time as soon as next year.

At fullback, there are two players who are pedestrian with different skills—neither of these guys is a stud or a dud. In any event, not much can realistically be expected for the frontline position of the backfield.