NFL Draft 2011: 10 Running Backs the Green Bay Packers Might Target
The Green Bay Packers need another running back.
With Ryan Grant coming back from a big injury and James Starks' durability a question, the position could use some solidification.
General manager Ted Thompson loves to build depth through the draft, so look for him to add some running back depth this year.
The only questions are who will he take and when will he take them?
Here's a look at 10 running backs who might be on Green Bay's radar, and when they'd likely have to select them.
1. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
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Williams missed four games in the middle of his 2010 season.
He also had a somewhat ineffective year, rushing for only 477 yards.
He did have nine touchdowns though, and seems to have a nose for the end zone.
The Packers might have to take him with their first round pick, but I think he'll be around in the second.
2. Mikel LeShoure, Illinois
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LeShoure had an explosive year for the Fighting Illini.
He ran for an amazing 1,697 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2010.
He's generating a lot of buzz lately and has risen up draft boards.
I've said in the past that he might be around in the second round, because I predict this will be a bad draft for running backs.
But, the Packers might have to take him in the first round just to be safe.
3. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
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Thomas was a touchdown scoring machine for the Wildcats in 2010.
He found the end zone 19 times and ran for 1,585 yards.
He's a solid second round candidate for the Packers.
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4. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
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Murray had an amazing start to 2010, but fell off a bit when conference play started.
He still managed to find the end zone 15 times for the Fiesta Bowl champion Sooners.
He'll be on the board when the Packers are picking at the end of the third round.
5. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
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Hunter may have hurt his draft stock with a below average showing in the 40-yard dash.
But, that doesn't mean he won't be a decent NFL running back.
He ran for over 1,500 yards last year and had 16 touchdowns.
He should be available for the Packers in the third round, maybe even the fourth round.
6. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
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The 5'6" Rodgers will always have his durability questioned. But, you can't question his results when he's on the field.
'Quizz won't be able to be a full-time running back in the NFL, but he should be a valuable change-of-pace guy.
That's exactly what the Packers should be looking for.
Rodgers should be available with one of the Packers' fourth round picks.
7. Roy Helu, Nebraska
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Helu tore apart my poor Missouri Tigers this year, rushing for 307 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
He has the kind of explosiveness that could make him valuable at the next level.
For a fourth or fifth round draft pick, he'd be a good value pick.
8. Noel Devine, West Virginia
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Devine had a disappointing end to his 2010 season.
But, he has blazing speed and will find a place in the NFL as part of a running back committee.
The Packers could use some speed at the running back position, and might want to consider grabbing Devine in the fourth or fifth round.
9. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
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Lewis had a good Pro Day, putting himself back in the mix to be drafted.
He had a great career at Pitt and will use his power running style to find a small role in the NFL.
Lewis could be a James Starks-type running back and should be available in the sixth or seventh round.
10. John Clay, Wisconsin
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Clay already has experience as part of a running back committee.
At Wisconsin, he was part of a very potent rushing attack.
Clay was the big, bruising runner of the group.
He'll use his 6'1", 255 pound frame to pound his way through the NFL.
He should be around in the seventh round.
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