Alabama RB Eddie Lacy Officially Enters NFL Draft

After a stellar season and a fantastic BCS National Championship performance, Alabama Crimson Tide redshirt junior Eddie Lacy will officially enter the 2013 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Alex Scarborough:

"

Alabama RB Eddie Lacy announces officially that he will enter the NFL Draft.

— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) January 11, 2013"

Lacy helped the Crimson Tide roll over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the title game with 20 rushing attempts for 140 yards and two touchdowns (one receiving). The excellent game capped off an amazing season that saw the junior rush for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns.

With the success of Alabama running backs converting to the NFL over the last few seasons—just look at Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson—Lacy’s abilities will be too much for a team to pass on early in the draft.

The Crimson Tide running back should be a first-round selection in the 2013 NFL draft.

What It Means

There are plenty of teams facing major turnover this offseason, and a skilled offensive player like Lacy is exactly what a franchise needs to turn the tide of its losing ways.

The young Alabama star has the game-changing abilities and versatility that NFL teams are hunting for in the first round.

As for where the Crimson Tide go without Lacy next season, the loss of a star is something the team deals with every year, and they will be prepared as always.

With a star in the making like T.J. Yeldon, Nick Saban has Alabama ready for next year’s chase for another national championship.

What’s Next?

It is obvious that Lacy is one of the best running backs coming out for the draft this season—CBS Sports ranks him as the best player at the position—and teams with a need in the backfield will be looking to snag the bona fide star.

While the young back’s stock is already high, once he goes through the combine and NFL teams get a look at the raw power, speed and skill he possesses, there will be no question that he will be taken early in the first round.

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