Packers 2013 NFL Draft – Second Round Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

ALLGBP.com All Green Bay Packers All the Time
Eddie Lacy
Alabama running back Eddie Lacy

With their second round pick (#61 overall) in the 2013 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Eddie Lacy, running back from Alabama

PLAYER DETAILS: 
Eddie Lacy
Running Back
Alabama
5’11″ 231 lbs

From CBSSports:

CAREER NOTES: 

Lacy redshirted in 2009 but quickly flashed star potential once given an opportunity. In his first collegiate game (San Jose State), Lacy rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on only 13 carries, and he ended the year in similar fashion against a talented Michigan State squad in the Capital One Bowl by rushing for 86 yards, including touchdown scampers of 62 and 12 yards.

He emerged as the top backup behind Richardson in 2011, finishing second on the team with 674 yards (averaging 7.1 per attempt!) and seven touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 139 yards.

With Richardson now the focal point of the Cleveland Browns’ offense, Lacy enjoyed a spectacular breakout junior season. Although overshadowed at times by true freshman TJ Yeldon, Lacy was strong down the stretch, with a career-high 181 rushing yards against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game followed by 140 rushing yards in the BCS title game, earning Offensive Player of the Game honors.

He finished the 2012 season with 1,322 rushing yards on 204 carries (6.5 average) and 17 touchdowns, earning First Team All-SEC honors.

While Lacy’s mediocre pro day workout raises red flags about his conditioning, there is no question he possesses the talent to be a bell-cow back at the next level. Lacy is a powerful between-the-tackles runner who can knock defenders to the ground. He’s also possesses very light feet and excellent balance, often slipping past would-be tacklers with a lethal spin move.

Lacy is also a gifted receiver out of the backfield and has proven both alert and physical in pass protection, making it likely he’ll be able to step in and contribute immediately as a rookie.

Even with the less-than-stellar numbers, Lacy is likely to join his former teammates as the first running back selected in their respective draft classes.

AGILITY TESTS (Pro Day):  4.58 in the 40 yard dash, 32.5-inch vertical jump, a 9-7 broad jump, a 4.44-second short-shuttle

SCOUTING REPORT: 

While Lacy’s workout raises red flags about his conditioning, there is no question he possesses the talent to be a bell-cow back at the next level. Lacy is a powerful between-the-tackles runner who can knock defenders to the ground. He’s also possesses very light feet and excellent balance, often slipping past would-be tacklers with a lethal spin move. Lacy is also a gifted receiver out of the backfield and has proven both alert and physical in pass protection, making it likely he’ll be able to step in and contribute immediately as a rookie. Lacy played well in spot duty over his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide and exploded in 2012. The junior ran for 1,322 yards on 204 carries (6.5 average) and 17 touchdowns, earning First Team All-SEC honors. Scouts also like the fact that Lacy hasn’t been worn down. He served as the backup behind Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, each of whom, of course, wound up as first-round picks in the past two drafts. Even with the less-than-stellar numbers, Lacy is likely to join his former teammates as the first running back selected in their respective draft classes. – Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

COMMENTARY:

Projected by many to be the first running back selected in this year’s draft, and also to the Packers at 26th overall, Lacy somehow lasted and fell into Green Bay’s hands in round two and at 61st overall.  Green Bay was originally set to pick at 55th overall when they traded that pick to the San Francisco 49ers and moved back to 61.  It was clear that the Packers were likely to be considering a running back or a wide receiver at 61st and they made Lacy their choice when their turn came up.

Lacy immediately improves a backfield that features DuJuan Harris, Alex Green and James Starks.  The Packers had met with free agent Cedric Benson earlier this week, leaving some doubt about whether they would address the running back position in the draft.  At 61st overall, the Packers have to be happy about this scenario playing out.  They appear to be getting a great value and filling a position of need at the same time.

VIDEO:

 

——————

Jason Perone is an independent sports blogger writing about the Packers on AllGreenBayPackers.com

Follow Jason Perone:


              

——————



51 thoughts on “Packers 2013 NFL Draft – Second Round Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

  1. Is it an overstatement if I say we just might have gotten to two picks we needed (the most) to return to the Super Bowl?

    1. Yes.

      How about a Safety? McMillan had better be the answer. And we had better hope that Bishop and Worthy get healthy fast. The D is soft. That’s the real problem.

      1. That’s assuming we even need another good Safety considering we should now (theoretically) have a front seven that can consistently and effectively get to the passer.

        McMillian and Jennings are still developing and learning as well.

        1. Or Richardson or the other FA GB signed.

          With the master trader at work the Pack will pick up some needed talent at all the positions.

  2. Dislike. Would have rather had Swaeringer.

    Lacy “not being well conditioned” BIG red flag.

    1. He was somewhat out of condition due to a hamstring strain while training for the combine. Wasn’t aware of that myself until just recently. Otherwise I said the same thing.

      Lacy does have some minor injury issues, but this is a great pick. Able to move down 6 spots and still get what was regarded as the best RB in the draft class.

      Lacy will be the everydown RB we’ve been missing since Ahman Green. A strong power runner for the cold whether in Nov/Dec in GB.

        1. He’s gonna get worked plenty. Bet he averages 20 carries a game. He’s gotta pull the safeties out of 2 deep looks to open up the passing game again.

  3. I was never on the Lacy bandwagon but Im happy they got a running back. Seems like good value with where they picked him. Hopefully he can get healthy.

    1. I was a lacy fan but leary about using a #1 pick on him. TT has worked magic. Don’t worry the kid has a chip on his shoulder, will have the best training and medical people to have him healthy for the season. That chip for being overlooked by everyone else for two rounds his going to motivate him.

  4. Anyone know what we got from SF for moving down 6 spots. Hope we got their late 3rd. Probably their 4th tho…

    1. trade chart would dictate a late fourth, but since he knew he would have a choice of running backs 6 spots back, he took whatever his best offer was.

  5. pressed the wrong button…

    Among 3 injury-prone RBs we’re bound to get someone ready by gameday…

  6. Have felt all offseason the Packers were planning to actually build a real running game, which is one reason why I was touting a running back in round two. Lacy will be the primary back, big, patient and tough to bring down and Harris will be the compact, energy-explosion, change of pace and screen pass dynamo. I like it – if they use it…

      1. Actually, 5-wide with Lacy might be very effective. He might RUN or he might CATCH or he might block for Rodgers. Now the Safety needs to come up to protect the run. It makes passing game more effective just with Lacy in the backfield.

  7. Finally!!! A running back. With remaining picks we need a safety, a WR, a Center, an OT, an ILB and a DL for some depth.
    Happy with 1 and 2 picks so far.
    Go Pack Go!!!

  8. Have a personal aversion for Lacy, but have to admit that getting him in what almost is the 3rd round is too hard to pass up, especially given the backs that have gone ahead of him.

    Still reminds me of LenDale White.

    On top of that, Quinton Patton is sliding to the end of 3 even as we speak.

  9. I just wish we could have gotten more for trading back. I know I’m splitting hairs here but another 5th round pick rather than a 6th would have really been nice. That would have given us a better pick to possibly trade up if Barkley or someone else we like is falling. At least we didn’t draft BJ Sander in the 3rd round this year!

  10. So lets see, Thompson trades the 55th pick and gets the 61st and a 6th round chice and the Seattle picking after them trade 56th pick and get 62nd, a 5th AND a 6th. Now in the 3rd he trades to the 49ers again!!! You trust in Ted, he’s lost his mind!

    1. He’ll say (if he answers the question, that is) that Lacy would’ve been his pick, anyway, and he looks good for generating an extra pick out of it.

      I still can’t find what they got for dealing out of the third.

  11. Wow now all the way out of 3rd round, clearly he has forgotten how bad the Packers were against teams not named the Cardinals, or Jags! But way to Ted, now what more 7th rounders for your 3rd round chice? This makes 3 drafts in a row you’ve totally blown Thompson

  12. Scratching my head. Trying to figure out what just happened. Unless TT is going to try to trade back up into the high 4th, I’m thinking that he/they missed a great opportunity.

    1. He did miss a great opportunity!!! He went from the 88th pick to the 109th with a 5th and two 7th rounders. Just what we need, a bunch of 7th rounders. How is that good for a team got the snot knocked out of them against teams not named the Jags, Titans, or Cardinals.

    2. They do have 3 rd 5 picks now (one compensatory). I wonder if two of those and a 7 adds up to a 4th?

  13. Can you be any more dramatic? We haven’t even seen who the final picks are, let alone see any of them play an nfl snap.

    1. Forsooth! I am scratching mine wispy pate! As the moon riseth to the East, the events of the eve that was nigh continue to vex me.

      See? Drama, I got!

  14. Those trades with SF were awful. Let’s be frank.

    That being said, I’m here on record betting the Packers pick between 3 and 4 times in the 4th round. An Olineman and a receiver will be among the selections.

    1. Thank you AWFUL. Common dudes, dramatic has nothing’s to do with it. The first two picks were great but the deals with SF were horrible. Look at his last 3 drafts and what’s happened with his picks past the 2nd round. They’ve totally blown so gimme a break!

      1. Still a lot of good players on the board. Disappointed, but there’s a good chance for redemption in the 4th.

      2. What’s the average hit percentage regarding picks 3-7? To say the Packers have sucked in their last picks is precocious without that notion.

        Players that have made the roster and have started games:

        2010 – Burnett, Quarless, Newhouse, Starks, CJ Wilson (5 of 5)
        2011 – Green, House, Taylor and DJ Williams (4 of 8)
        2012 – Too early, but 2 out of 5 (McMillian, Daniels) have already started

        Now add UDFAs (DuJuan Harris, Jarrett Boykin, Dezman Moses, M.D. Jennings, EDS, Tim Masthay, Robert François, Sam Shields)

        And you’ve got 19 players that have started at some point selected after the first 2 rounds since 2010.

        Players that are considered regular starters? 7 players.

        There aren’t any pro bowlers yet, I’ll grant you that.

        But blown? Don’t think so.

        1. logic and facts are not as readily consumed as reaction and impression ’round these parts sometimes, unfortunately

  15. Just because he got 7th rounders doesn’t mean he’s gonna draft them. All the picks they got can easily be used as trade ammunition tomorrow, so they have more flexibility to move to spots where value meets need. Either way, it’s ridiculous and childish to evaluate a draft before anyone has even played 1 nfl snap

    1. They’re sitting on 10 picks in the remaining rounds: 2-4th, 3-5th, 2-6th, 3-7th.

      I don’t believe for a second they’re going to use all of those.

  16. Trading out of 3rd when they could have gotten Patton is a missed opportunity if u ask me. Skilled route runner, great after the catch receiver would have been great. How about quissenberry? Multidimensional OL? Not sure why the affinity for 6-7 round picks when depth was 2-3rd round? GoPack?

  17. With the extra picks by trading back – Hope pack take a shot with Rashaan Melvin NIU — He wasn’t invited to nfl combines but he’s amongst the top 5 in testing. Could be a sweet steal

  18. Blown? I think your expectations are way too high for players taken in the later rounds of the draft. Burnett has been adequate value, as has Newhouse, Starks, and Wilson compared to where they were drafted. House has been good and Smith was doing fine before his injury issues. That’s not to mention good UFA’s like Sam Shields. It’s too early to form a judgement on any of last years picks. Late rounders rarely pan out for any team, and the few that do seldom provide an immediate impact. & it’s less likely for successful teams like the packers since they’re drafting near the end of every round

  19. I love how most of the people on this board didn’t want Lacy. Then TT drafts him, and it’s all about what a great pick! He should have great numbers running behind an NFL line. He won’t get numbers like that here, because he won’t be running behind an NFL LINE!

    1. I love how some people still don’t understand how VALUE works in a BPA system.

      I personally had no opinion on Lacy, but most people I’ve seen who were supporting the idea of drafting Lacy were talking about taking him with the Packers #26 overall selection, and most people who didn’t like that idea seemed to think that while he may have been arguably the best RB available in this draft, he wasn’t a RB worth spending a first round pick on.

      Getting Lacy with the 61st pick in the draft, however, is a good VALUE and many Packers fans seem to think he was a good selection at that slotting.

      Think of it like this: You might say that a 1998 Honda Accord would be a lousy purchase for $24,000 (especially if there was a 2010 Subaru Outback on the lot for the same price)… But you might think that same 1998 Honda Accord is a great deal if you picked up for $800 the following weekend when all there’s left on the lot is a bunch of Yugo’s for around the same price..

  20. I wouldn’t say most people didnt want lacy at all. Some just didnt think he was worth a 1st round pick, which is where some projections had him going. It’s all about value

  21. I am not a fan of this pick. The Steelers wouldn’t touch him for medical reasons. Lacy may be destined to spend much of his professional career on the PUP list. If TT wanted a “big” back who reliably would be available,perhaps he should have signed Matthew Tucker as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, the Eagles got him.

Comments are closed.