Saturday, January 25, 2014

2014 NFL Draft Needs: Packers QB and RB

Quarterback

From 1993 to 2012, the Packers had three starting quarterbacks. In a five-week span this year, the Packers had four starting quarterbacks. While injuries played a part in this (Aaron Rodgers' collarbone and Seneca Wallace's groin), the fact that they brought back Matt Flynn (and went 2-4-1) showed just how ill-prepared they were for a Rodgers' injury. Scott Tolzien has a strong arm, but was clearly not ready for the spotlight, throwing only one TD and 5 INTs in his 2.5 games.
McCarthy is a solid QB coach, but has been given little talent behind Rodgers. It's obvious the team needs a competent backup, so investing the draft pick will rely squarely on the market demand for Flynn. The team found Flynn in the seventh round in 2008, so don't be surprised if they look for a replacement in the mid-to-late rounds as well. 

Running Back

Eddie Lacy was eighth in the league with 1,178 rushing yards in essentially 14 games . Clearly a stud when healthy, Lacy should retain uncontested starter duties. DuJuan Harris (who is under contract through 2014) and Jonathan Franklin will return from injuries, making James Starks expendable despite the best season of his career. John Kuhn should get an extension as the team's sole FB to round out the Packers' most talented backfield in recent memory.
After investing second a fourth round picks in RBs last year, the Packers should pass on any in 2014. If Kuhn ends up leaving, Thompson probably still won't pick a FB, which seems to be a dying position in today's NFL (for now). He'll have plenty of undrafted options if necessary.

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