Revisiting The Rookie RBs (1 Viewer)

[zamboni]

Apologies if this is a rehash of a few other threads (Bell vs. Lacy, Denver RBs, etc.), but I thought it might be a good idea for a one-stop shopping thread on Bell/Lacy/Bernard/Ball now that we're almost through the second games of preseason - and with drafts/rookie drafts coming up.

Bell - still looks like the guy in the best situation in terms of competition, but has been dinged up and we haven't seen him in game action yet

Lacy - initially looked mired in RBBC, but is impressing in preseason and may be earning the job to himself; will Franklin still be a factor despite a less than impressive camp?

Bernard - has looked very good and explosive in camp, but will he still be the short end of the RBBC stick with BJGE this year?

Ball - hasn't impressed in camp and appears mired in RBBC at least at the beginning of the season; but has have some skill and built to be a workhorse - could he eventually be the guy?

Obviously this may very well change after Bell's performance tonight, but how would you rank them right now in:

1) redraft

2) dynasty/keeper

 

[JustinHawkins]

Hard not to love what we've seen from Lacy and Bernard. And Bell is in a great spot. I'd say those 3 belong in their own tier with Ball being a notch or two below.

 

[shader]

BJGE is a marginal talent. The split won't last long.

 

[Khy]

Redraft:

1) Bell - Not to best talent but similar situation to Doug Martin last season where there's just zero compeition for carries. If he can stay healthy he'll post 300+ carries 1200+ yards and 8-10 TDs.

2) Lacy - I think the Packers really want to be more balanced this season, he's showed some great flair in the preseason and in camp. Couple that with Franklin being very unimpressive. He should see 200+ carries this season and on this offense could be in line for 10+ TDs.

3) Bernard - His stock drops because I think regardless of the time share with the law firm he'll still lose goal line touches to him. That said he's definitely the better RB in this backfield.

4) Ball - This backfield is a mess right now but it seems like all indicators are that Hillman is clearly the lead in this RBBC.

Dynasty:

1) Bernard - Probably the guy most likely to perform from this grouping long term. Bell is no special talent and Lacy while good is on the Packers and they'll never serve enough touches to a RB.

2) Bell - Similar reasons as seen above, he'll get the job done. The main question is how long can he stay healthy as a Steelers bellcow. We saw Mendenhall do it for what... 2 seasons?

3) Lacy - The Packers are a lot like the Patriots or a Shanny team in the sense that you can never be 100% sure who is going to perform if anyone in the backfield. The Packers could have another RB fall to them in the draft next season that they don't feel they can pass on. Plus Lacy has an injury history.

4) Ball - Until Ball really shows that he can be 'the guy' that people thought he was a couple of months ago, I don't see how you can elevate him past the bottom of this group.

 

[steveski]

Redraft:

1) Bell - Not to best talent but similar situation to Doug Martin last season where there's just zero compeition for carries. If he can stay healthy he'll post 300+ carries 1200+ yards and 8-10 TDs.

2) Lacy - I think the Packers really want to be more balanced this season, he's showed some great flair in the preseason and in camp. Couple that with Franklin being very unimpressive. He should see 200+ carries this season and on this offense could be in line for 10+ TDs.

3) Bernard - His stock drops because I think regardless of the time share with the law firm he'll still lose goal line touches to him. That said he's definitely the better RB in this backfield.

4) Ball - This backfield is a mess right now but it seems like all indicators are that Hillman is clearly the lead in this RBBC.

Dynasty:

1) Bernard - Probably the guy most likely to perform from this grouping long term. Bell is no special talent and Lacy while good is on the Packers and they'll never serve enough touches to a RB.

2) Bell - Similar reasons as seen above, he'll get the job done. The main question is how long can he stay healthy as a Steelers bellcow. We saw Mendenhall do it for what... 2 seasons?

3) Lacy - The Packers are a lot like the Patriots or a Shanny team in the sense that you can never be 100% sure who is going to perform if anyone in the backfield. The Packers could have another RB fall to them in the draft next season that they don't feel they can pass on. Plus Lacy has an injury history.

4) Ball - Until Ball really shows that he can be 'the guy' that people thought he was a couple of months ago, I don't see how you can elevate him past the bottom of this group.

I agree with these rankings as of now. Depending on how he looks tonight, I could see Bell dropping a spot in both dynasty/redraft though.

 

[zamboni]

Redraft:

1) Bell - Not to best talent but similar situation to Doug Martin last season where there's just zero compeition for carries. If he can stay healthy he'll post 300+ carries 1200+ yards and 8-10 TDs.

2) Lacy - I think the Packers really want to be more balanced this season, he's showed some great flair in the preseason and in camp. Couple that with Franklin being very unimpressive. He should see 200+ carries this season and on this offense could be in line for 10+ TDs.

3) Bernard - His stock drops because I think regardless of the time share with the law firm he'll still lose goal line touches to him. That said he's definitely the better RB in this backfield.

4) Ball - This backfield is a mess right now but it seems like all indicators are that Hillman is clearly the lead in this RBBC.

Dynasty:

1) Bernard - Probably the guy most likely to perform from this grouping long term. Bell is no special talent and Lacy while good is on the Packers and they'll never serve enough touches to a RB.

2) Bell - Similar reasons as seen above, he'll get the job done. The main question is how long can he stay healthy as a Steelers bellcow. We saw Mendenhall do it for what... 2 seasons?

3) Lacy - The Packers are a lot like the Patriots or a Shanny team in the sense that you can never be 100% sure who is going to perform if anyone in the backfield. The Packers could have another RB fall to them in the draft next season that they don't feel they can pass on. Plus Lacy has an injury history.

4) Ball - Until Ball really shows that he can be 'the guy' that people thought he was a couple of months ago, I don't see how you can elevate him past the bottom of this group.

Good points here. Only thing is the bolded on health/Mendenhall. Any of the guys could get hurt, and let's face it - If Mendenhall didn't tear his ACL, he still could very well be the workhorse and the Steelers may not have drafted Bell.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

I think the answer is becoming increasing clear in both formats. Bernard and Lacy are both very good. Bernard is probably a better choice for PPR and Lacy better in standard leagues. I think the people drafting Bell and Ball will wish they'd have taken one of the other two. IMO next year at this time both Lacy and Bernard will be consensus RB1 options.

The only RBBC in GB will be DuJuan Harris giving Lacy a breather. Franklin is a non factor.

Bernard is far more dynamic than BJGE and he will put him on the bench in short order.

I'm not sure than Bell or Ball have the tools to be anything other than RBBC guys long term.

 

[jurb26]

Redraft;

1a. Bell - I'm not sold on him long term but he will see a lot of action this year in Pitt. There simply isn't enough competition to keep him from getting around 300 total touches this year. Any starting RB who touches the ball that much has significant value.

1b. Lacy - Best talent of the group IMO and in an offense that will put him in a lot of scoring positions. I do believe the Pack are looking to be more balanced this year. Why else draft both him and Franklin? While I think Lacy is the clear starter, I'm not sure if Franklin will carve out a 3rd down roll or something. Because of that I can't place him above Bell. I see roughly 250 touches for Lacy with more scoring than Bell.

3. Bernard - this guy looks explosive and like the best RB on his team. Despite that, I can't see him pushing BJGE totally out of the way. A lot of people seem intent on bashing BJGE recently but he's a talented back in his own right and he will have a roll in the Bengal offense. At the very least he will be a short yardage and GL guy IMO. More than likely it will be borderline RBBC this year. I see about 230 touches for Bernard this season but limited TD opportunity due to BJGE.

4. Michael - Maybe the best talent in this class even though he fell to round 3. It's pretty unconventional to have him ahead of Ball but I do. I just think he's going to prove too talented to keep off the field and will get touches. Not really a RBBC, but I could see 120 touches even if Lynch stays healthy. If Lynch goes down for any reason, look out.

5. Ball - Let's just say I'm not I pressed with Ball thus far and really wasn't before he was drafted. I see the Den backfield being a mess this year with 3 guys likely to see touches. Marginal talent, competing for touches means ill likely stay away. I see about 150 touches but little upside.

Dynasty;

1. Lacy - Best talent overall and on a strong team. I think he'll prove capable of being a 3 down back this year and won't look back.

2. Michael - Excellent talent who may have to wait his turn in Sea, but offers better upside than Bernard IMO. He could be an every down back and I just don't see Bernard becoming that.

3. Bernard - I just don't see Bernard being a guy who carries the load long term. I think he will be spelled a lot for a back with more power. He is dynamic enough to still justify a high ranking and he should be used heavily in the passing game. It helps tht Cinci has one of the best young offenses in the NFL.

4. Bell - simply put, I just see the other 3 guys as better talents who will have a higher likelihood of sustainability in the NFL. I like his situation bit situation changes fast in the NFL.

5. Ball - I just don't see him becoming the guy.

 

[nirad3]

Redraft:

1) Bell - Not to best talent but similar situation to Doug Martin last season where there's just zero compeition for carries. If he can stay healthy he'll post 300+ carries 1200+ yards and 8-10 TDs.

2) Lacy - I think the Packers really want to be more balanced this season, he's showed some great flair in the preseason and in camp. Couple that with Franklin being very unimpressive. He should see 200+ carries this season and on this offense could be in line for 10+ TDs.

3) Bernard - His stock drops because I think regardless of the time share with the law firm he'll still lose goal line touches to him. That said he's definitely the better RB in this backfield.

4) Ball - This backfield is a mess right now but it seems like all indicators are that Hillman is clearly the lead in this RBBC.

Dynasty:

1) Bernard - Probably the guy most likely to perform from this grouping long term. Bell is no special talent and Lacy while good is on the Packers and they'll never serve enough touches to a RB.

2) Bell - Similar reasons as seen above, he'll get the job done. The main question is how long can he stay healthy as a Steelers bellcow. We saw Mendenhall do it for what... 2 seasons?

3) Lacy - The Packers are a lot like the Patriots or a Shanny team in the sense that you can never be 100% sure who is going to perform if anyone in the backfield. The Packers could have another RB fall to them in the draft next season that they don't feel they can pass on. Plus Lacy has an injury history.

4) Ball - Until Ball really shows that he can be 'the guy' that people thought he was a couple of months ago, I don't see how you can elevate him past the bottom of this group.

Nailed it.

 

[Khy]

2. Michael - Excellent talent who may have to wait his turn in Sea, but offers better upside than Bernard IMO. He could be an every down back and I just don't see Bernard becoming that.

Just want to throw this out there that yes, Michael is clearly the most talented of all these guys. I didn't really include him... or anyone else for that matter, simply because they weren't included in the question. Michael clearly has explosive every down potential and will likely take over as RB2 for the Seahawks and surpass Turbin this season. If anything were to happen to Lynch in the next two years or so we could see Michael immediately become a Top 10 RB.

 

[zamboni]

Good call adding Michael to the equaltion. I didn't include him since I don't see him being much of a factor redraft-wise unless Lynch gets hurt, but dynasty-wise he has to get a lot of consideration.

 

[zamboni]

Bumping this after Bell's injury last night.

Certainly throws a wrinkle into things, although I think people are overreacting a bit on Bell after 4 measly carries. Let's not forget that he was anointed the co-starter with Redman before last night's game, so the coaches clearly liked what they saw. And he was a workhorse in college, so it's probably erroneous to say he's not durable.

All that said, my biggest concern about Bell right now is whether the coaching staff may have lost some confidence in him being the guy. While he was durable in college, Tomlin and Co. haven't seen that since training camp started. And at the end of the day, it's not like the organization has a ton of stock invested in Bell to give him every chance to succeed.

WAY too soon to bury Bell, but I'd drop him relative to both Bernard and Lacy in both redraft and dynasty - but still above Ball.

Redraft right now:

1) Lacy

2) Bernard

3) Bell

4) Ball

5) Michael

Dynasty:

1) Bernard

2) Lacy

3) Michael

4) Bell

5) Ball

 

[Khy]

Bumping this after Bell's injury last night.

Certainly throws a wrinkle into things, although I think people are overreacting a bit on Bell after 4 measly carries. Let's not forget that he was anointed the co-starter with Redman before last night's game, so the coaches clearly liked what they saw. And he was a workhorse in college, so it's probably erroneous to say he's not durable.

All that said, my biggest concern about Bell right now is whether the coaching staff may have lost some confidence in him being the guy. While he was durable in college, Tomlin and Co. haven't seen that since training camp started. And at the end of the day, it's not like the organization has a ton of stock invested in Bell to give him every chance to succeed.

WAY too soon to bury Bell, but I'd drop him relative to both Bernard and Lacy in both redraft and dynasty - but still above Ball.

Redraft right now:

1) Lacy

2) Bernard

3) Bell

4) Ball

5) Michael

Dynasty:

1) Bernard

2) Lacy

3) Michael

4) Bell

5) Ball

While it is to soon to bury Bell... it's the second small injury he has had and he's barely played. Which makes me mildly concerned. I wouldn't avoid drafting him but where as I was looking at him in like Rd 4-5 now I'm starting to second guess that and drop him further. First a knee, now a foot and he's played like 10 snaps of football? I'd maybe bump Lacy over him in redraft but I think you're leaving him above Bernard as Bernard's situation is clearly that of a RBBC for the foreseeable future and he's definitely going to lose most goal line carries to BJGE for most of the season.

As for the organizations stock in Bell... I disagree, they're all in on a pair of 10's hoping to flip a third on the river here. They have no hope for a real rushing attack outside of Bell. We saw what this team looked like last season with the patchwork gang of Redman and Dwyer and it was one of the ugliest rushing attacks in the league. They won't give him every chance to succeed outside this season but this year he's the guy if he's healthy. There's no other options.

 

[FDC]

Hard to rank Bell in redraft until the MRI comes out

I'd imagine his redraft ADP is falling off a cliff right now

 

[zamboni]

I'd maybe bump Lacy over him in redraft but I think you're leaving him above Bernard as Bernard's situation is clearly that of a RBBC for the foreseeable future and he's definitely going to lose most goal line carries to BJGE for most of the season.

I'm not so that Bernard will be in a true RBBC for very long if he plays like he has, which is why I have Gio ahead of Bell. BJGE will still be a factor, but I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a short-yardage/goal line/kill the clock specialist.

As for the organizations stock in Bell... I disagree, they're all in on a pair of 10's hoping to flip a third on the river here. They have no hope for a real rushing attack outside of Bell. We saw what this team looked like last season with the patchwork gang of Redman and Dwyer and it was one of the ugliest rushing attacks in the league. They won't give him every chance to succeed outside this season but this year he's the guy if he's healthy. There's no other options.

I agree that the team really, really wants Bell to be the guy. But if he doesn't show more than Dwyer/Redman/LSH have, there's no reason why Tomlin and Haley will give him the keys to the castle.

I think it's really close redraft wise among Bernard, Lacy and Bell, although I do have more concerns about Bell's perception now that he's been dinged up twice.

 

[socrates]

2. Michael - Excellent talent who may have to wait his turn in Sea, but offers better upside than Bernard IMO. He could be an every down back and I just don't see Bernard becoming that.

Just want to throw this out there that yes, Michael is clearly the most talented of all these guys. I didn't really include him... or anyone else for that matter, simply because they weren't included in the question. Michael clearly has explosive every down potential and will likely take over as RB2 for the Seahawks and surpass Turbin this season. If anything were to happen to Lynch in the next two years or so we could see Michael immediately become a Top 10 RB.

For Dynasty purposes, you cannot ignore the tremendous potential of either Michael or Lattimore. Each has top 10 potential

 

[mere blitzianity]

Bumping this after Bell's injury last night.

Certainly throws a wrinkle into things, although I think people are overreacting a bit on Bell after 4 measly carries. Let's not forget that he was anointed the co-starter with Redman before last night's game, so the coaches clearly liked what they saw. And he was a workhorse in college, so it's probably erroneous to say he's not durable.

All that said, my biggest concern about Bell right now is whether the coaching staff may have lost some confidence in him being the guy. While he was durable in college, Tomlin and Co. haven't seen that since training camp started. And at the end of the day, it's not like the organization has a ton of stock invested in Bell to give him every chance to succeed.

WAY too soon to bury Bell, but I'd drop him relative to both Bernard and Lacy in both redraft and dynasty - but still above Ball.

Redraft right now:

1) Lacy

2) Bernard

3) Bell

4) Ball

5) Michael

Dynasty:

1) Bernard

2) Lacy

3) Michael

4) Bell

5) Ball

I couldn't agree more!!

 

[We Tigers]

Public opinion has shifted so much against Ball that he might actually present an opportunity again. Kind of a wait and see, though; I think he still stands a good chance of emerging as the lead guy by midseason as he improves pass protection, but that's a while to wait with guys like Lacy on the redraft upswing. His future is definitely the haziest for dynasty.

 

[MDPapi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Lynch have a DUI trial/hearing coming up in December? He could start next year suspended if December doesn't go well. In addition to that, I believe he's due a lot of money in 2015. And while he's not old (27), he does have 1,400+ carries and 6,000+ yards. And he doesn't exactly shy away from contact.

In dynasty, Michael could be the guy in a year if things break right.

Redraft;

1a. Bell - I'm not sold on him long term but he will see a lot of action this year in Pitt. There simply isn't enough competition to keep him from getting around 300 total touches this year. Any starting RB who touches the ball that much has significant value.

1b. Lacy - Best talent of the group IMO and in an offense that will put him in a lot of scoring positions. I do believe the Pack are looking to be more balanced this year. Why else draft both him and Franklin? While I think Lacy is the clear starter, I'm not sure if Franklin will carve out a 3rd down roll or something. Because of that I can't place him above Bell. I see roughly 250 touches for Lacy with more scoring than Bell.

3. Bernard - this guy looks explosive and like the best RB on his team. Despite that, I can't see him pushing BJGE totally out of the way. A lot of people seem intent on bashing BJGE recently but he's a talented back in his own right and he will have a roll in the Bengal offense. At the very least he will be a short yardage and GL guy IMO. More than likely it will be borderline RBBC this year. I see about 230 touches for Bernard this season but limited TD opportunity due to BJGE.

4. Michael - Maybe the best talent in this class even though he fell to round 3. It's pretty unconventional to have him ahead of Ball but I do. I just think he's going to prove too talented to keep off the field and will get touches. Not really a RBBC, but I could see 120 touches even if Lynch stays healthy. If Lynch goes down for any reason, look out.

5. Ball - Let's just say I'm not I pressed with Ball thus far and really wasn't before he was drafted. I see the Den backfield being a mess this year with 3 guys likely to see touches. Marginal talent, competing for touches means ill likely stay away. I see about 150 touches but little upside.

Dynasty;

1. Lacy - Best talent overall and on a strong team. I think he'll prove capable of being a 3 down back this year and won't look back.

2. Michael - Excellent talent who may have to wait his turn in Sea, but offers better upside than Bernard IMO. He could be an every down back and I just don't see Bernard becoming that.

3. Bernard - I just don't see Bernard being a guy who carries the load long term. I think he will be spelled a lot for a back with more power. He is dynamic enough to still justify a high ranking and he should be used heavily in the passing game. It helps tht Cinci has one of the best young offenses in the NFL.

4. Bell - simply put, I just see the other 3 guys as better talents who will have a higher likelihood of sustainability in the NFL. I like his situation bit situation changes fast in the NFL.

5. Ball - I just don't see him becoming the guy.

 

[Beerguzzler]

Why is everyone saying BJGE will be the goal line back? The guy has been AWFUL scoring from short yardage.

But when the Bengals were on the 1-yard line, needing just 1 yard for a touchdown, Green-Ellis was successful on only 4 of 10 carries. That was 3rd-worst among the 23 running backs with at least 4 carries.

 

[DoubleG]

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Why is everyone saying BJGE will be the goal line back? The guy has been AWFUL scoring from short yardage.

But when the Bengals were on the 1-yard line, needing just 1 yard for a touchdown, Green-Ellis was successful on only 4 of 10 carries. That was 3rd-worst among the 23 running backs with at least 4 carries.

Just seems like something that the HC will do with the bigger veteran back.

 

[zamboni]

Why is everyone saying BJGE will be the goal line back? The guy has been AWFUL scoring from short yardage.

But when the Bengals were on the 1-yard line, needing just 1 yard for a touchdown, Green-Ellis was successful on only 4 of 10 carries. That was 3rd-worst among the 23 running backs with at least 4 carries.

Just seems like something that the HC will do with the bigger veteran back.

I agree. And one that almost never fumbles.

 

[AcerFC]

It helped Bernard that he converted on his short yardage TD last week

 

[James Brimacombe]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

 

[zamboni]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Maybe, but I think McCarthy saying that they want more balance on offense is more than lip service. Obviously team brass isn't going to curtail Rodgers, but I could see Lacy getting 15-20 carries a game, maybe more in games when they are looking to milk the clock.

 

[Beerguzzler]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Maybe, but I think McCarthy saying that they want more balance on offense is more than lip service. Obviously team brass isn't going to curtail Rodgers, but I could see Lacy getting 15-20 carries a game, maybe more in games when they are looking to milk the clock.

McCarthy also said he envisions Cobb getting 100 balls this year. I don't see them changing the offense much considering the success they have had. The difference is that they will have a more effective running game with Lacy. Doesn't mean they become a rushing offense.

 

[jurb26]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Maybe, but I think McCarthy saying that they want more balance on offense is more than lip service. Obviously team brass isn't going to curtail Rodgers, but I could see Lacy getting 15-20 carries a game, maybe more in games when they are looking to milk the clock.

McCarthy also said he envisions Cobb getting 100 balls this year. I don't see them changing the offense much considering the success they have had. The difference is that they will have a more effective running game with Lacy. Doesn't mean they become a rushing offense.

They don't need to become a rushing offense for Lacy to have great success. Having a more effective offense should mean lots of scoring opps for Lacy. I would envision something like 250 touches with 10 to 14 TDs. Yds, I have no idea?

 

[J Giles Band]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

I tend to agree with your premise JB... particularly in the short term. But I'd be more careful about making comments that are absolutes. As quickly as things change in the NFL, I wouldn't count on things always being any certain way.

 

[zamboni]

FWIW, AP is on the Lacy bandwagon (but also acknowledges a passing offense):

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/23239169/adrian-peterson-eddie-lacy-a-real-good-pickup-that-i-didnt-like

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Why?

 

[Beerguzzler]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Maybe, but I think McCarthy saying that they want more balance on offense is more than lip service. Obviously team brass isn't going to curtail Rodgers, but I could see Lacy getting 15-20 carries a game, maybe more in games when they are looking to milk the clock.

McCarthy also said he envisions Cobb getting 100 balls this year. I don't see them changing the offense much considering the success they have had. The difference is that they will have a more effective running game with Lacy. Doesn't mean they become a rushing offense.

They don't need to become a rushing offense for Lacy to have great success. Having a more effective offense should mean lots of scoring opps for Lacy. I would envision something like 250 touches with 10 to 14 TDs. Yds, I have no idea?

While I agree with your basic premise, the problem with RB's on passing offenses is that they aren't terribly consistent. Right now to me he seems like a great RB2 upside. You just don't get to RB1 status on a team that passes the ball so much.

Even AP agreed - "eddie lacy, but he's on a passing team," Peterson wrote. "but that was a real good pickup... that i didnt like."

 

[SameSongNDance]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Meh, that same passing offense ranked 16th in rushing attempts per game with Benson/Starks/Green at the helm last year. IMO, Lacy is the best pure runner to land on GB since A. Green. Given the right talent, GBs backfield can be a productive week in and week out.

 

[zamboni]

Just an alternative viewpoint on Lacy immersed in a passing offense:

Ryan Grant under McCarthy had 312 and 282 carries in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Granted, it's pretty well accepted that the league is increasingly a passing one, and the Packers are one of the most active passing teams. But part of the modest rushing attempts could very well be that they haven't had anyone since Grant that's overly capable in that aspect of the game.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Just an alternative viewpoint on Lacy immersed in a passing offense:

Ryan Grant under McCarthy had 312 and 282 carries in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Granted, it's pretty well accepted that the league is increasingly a passing one, and the Packers are one of the most active passing teams. But part of the modest rushing attempts could

well be that they haven't had anyone since Grant that's overly capable in that aspect of the game.

For an even more recent look at potential workload, look at the carries GB gave Benson at the beginning of the season before his injury. It's clear they want to run the ball.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Just an alternative viewpoint on Lacy immersed in a passing offense:

Ryan Grant under McCarthy had 312 and 282 carries in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Granted, it's pretty well accepted that the league is increasingly a passing one, and the Packers are one of the most active passing teams. But part of the modest rushing attempts could

well be that they haven't had anyone since Grant that's overly capable in that aspect of the game.

For an even more recent look at potential workload, look at the carries GB gave Benson at the beginning of the season before his injury. It's clear they want to run the ball.

They essentially ran the ball as much last year as they did in 2008/9 with Grant. The notion that GB doesn't run the ball is just a myth really. You can't disregard situation and talent (or lack thereof).

As an aside, Benson was on pace for a career high 42 receptions last year which I found pretty interesting.

 

[EBF]

Hard for me to rank them.

In dynasty, I'm optimistic about Lacy, Bernard, and Michael.

In redraft, I like Lacy and Bernard. I would also take a chance on Ball for the right price. I have been down on Bell all along and the injury doesn't help matters.

In terms of sleepers, I think Spencer Ware has flashed nice talent for a day three pick. I have always liked Dennis Johnson as well.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Benson had 17 touches per game until he got hurt last year. If Lacy seizes the true #1 role as expected there's not reason he wouldn't have a similar workload. A 1a/1b timeshare with Harris would obviously limit things quite a bit though.

 

[Papa Georgio]

Impressed with Lacy but I think the thing that lowers his value the most is Kuhn. They love that guy at the goal-line. I thought maybe they got rid of him since no one has mentioned him but he is still on the roster.

 

[J Giles Band]

Nice work ConnSKINS, zamboni, SameSongNDance & wdcrob... nice to see analysis based on numbers and not just opinion like: his touches are always going to be limited based on the Green Bay offense. I owned Benson last year and prior to his injury, noticed the Packers concerted effort to establish the run to better protect Rodgers and force defenses to play honest.

While I don't expect the Packers will become a balanced offense, I do think Lacy will give them the added element that will take some heat of Rodgers and the offensive line's pass protection woes since opposing defenses won't be able to pin their ears back as easily.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Impressed with Lacy but I think the thing that lowers his value the most is Kuhn. They love that guy at the goal-line. I thought maybe they got rid of him since no one has mentioned him but he is still on the roster.

Roto's take..

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes John Kuhn is on the roster bubble.
Kuhn is a serviceable lead blocker and protector on passing downs. But he's owed $1.8 million in base salary this season and the Packers have been trying tight end Matthew Mulligan as a battering ram. Kuhn's days as a goal-line touchdown vulture are over thanks to Eddie Lacy's arrival anyway. Aug 14 - 10:32 AM
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

 

[Papa Georgio]

Impressed with Lacy but I think the thing that lowers his value the most is Kuhn. They love that guy at the goal-line. I thought maybe they got rid of him since no one has mentioned him but he is still on the roster.

Roto's take..

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes John Kuhn is on the roster bubble.
Kuhn is a serviceable lead blocker and protector on passing downs. But he's owed $1.8 million in base salary this season and the Packers have been trying tight end Matthew Mulligan as a battering ram. Kuhn's days as a goal-line touchdown vulture are over thanks to Eddie Lacy's arrival anyway. Aug 14 - 10:32 AM
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Great info and thanks for posting it here. Lacy looks a bit more attractive every day to me.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Meh, that same passing offense ranked 16th in rushing attempts per game with Benson/Starks/Green at the helm last year. IMO, Lacy is the best pure runner to land on GB since A. Green. Given the right talent, GBs backfield can be a productive week in and week out.

This is what I think. People get locked into parroting that GB is a "passing offense", well they had the same number of rushing attempts as the average team did.

 

[EBF]

Lacy has looked good in camp I agree but he plays in a Passing offense and that is not going to go away anytime soon. I do see him having some nice potential in blowout type games and also ability to punch it in on the goal line, but he is always going to be a back that is limited in his touches week in and week out.

Meh, that same passing offense ranked 16th in rushing attempts per game with Benson/Starks/Green at the helm last year. IMO, Lacy is the best pure runner to land on GB since A. Green. Given the right talent, GBs backfield can be a productive week in and week out.

This is what I think. People get locked into parroting that GB is a "passing offense", well they had the same number of rushing attempts as the average team did.

They've had some decent RB seasons in the not-so-distant past. Ryan Grant was useful for a couple years.

The big problem for GB is that they're had awful RB groups. When you don't have a real starting caliber RB, you're generally not going to be a rushing juggernaut.

They tried to fix it last year with Benson, but he went down early in the season. Lacy is the new solution. He might be the best talent they've had at the position since Ahman Green. That should give their running game a nice shot in the arm. I think Lacy is an ideal RB2 target for redraft purposes. He should be able to produce on that level and he has a slight chance of rising up into the low RB1 range if he really gets lucky.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Just an alternative viewpoint on Lacy immersed in a passing offense:

Ryan Grant under McCarthy had 312 and 282 carries in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Granted, it's pretty well accepted that the league is increasingly a passing one, and the Packers are one of the most active passing teams. But part of the modest rushing attempts could very well be that they haven't had anyone since Grant that's overly capable in that aspect of the game.

Those years (2008 and 2009) were the 2nd and 3rd most passing attempts in Rogers' career as well (and basically right in line with his attempts this year). It's not like Green Bay has to pass less for a RB to be a great fantasy player. They just need to give the RB touches they're already giving to one guy instead of four, and for him to be effective with those.

 

[zamboni]

Bump after week 3 games:

Not looking too much into Lacy's poor game the other day, but to me Bernard is the guy to have. I think it's close in redraft, but dynasty-wise, I think Gio is going to be a star.

Can't rule out Ball now either, especially with Hillman's fumbilitis, but he's still got a way to go.

And also can't rule out Bell for later in the season and beyond, but he's got to really prove himself when he returns.

Michael could probably start for many teams, but will probably be stuck in a Michael Turner backup situation for another few years.

 

[Banger]

Bump after week 3 games:

Not looking too much into Lacy's poor game the other day, but to me Bernard is the guy to have. I think it's close in redraft, but dynasty-wise, I think Gio is going to be a star.

Can't rule out Ball now either, especially with Hillman's fumbilitis, but he's still got a way to go.

And also can't rule out Bell for later in the season and beyond, but he's got to really prove himself when he returns.

Michael could probably start for many teams, but will probably be stuck in a Michael Turner backup situation for another few years.

To me among the rookie runners I like Lacy the most by a good bit. The news has been good on him, I was worried about Franklin before TC but he's a non-factor, he's run very strong and he'll get opportunity. Yes, they are a passing offense but they've tried to get by with rag tag RBs the past few years and what did that get them? I think they sought Lacy so they can have someone run out the clock and get some of those late 1st downs at the end of games. I don't think all the sudden they will be a running team but he'll definitely have enough carries/touches to make him very relevant.

I like Bernard the 2nd most but think pass protection will hold him back from being a fully utilized back for a little while. BJGE is a non-factor in terms of being any kind of threat but you need to be able to protect the passer to get the full time gig. I agree that Gio looks probably the best long term....I just don't know how long a runner like Lacy will last in the NFL....those players tend to have a short shelf life.

 

[zamboni]

I like Bernard the 2nd most but think pass protection will hold him back from being a fully utilized back for a little while. BJGE is a non-factor in terms of being any kind of threat but you need to be able to protect the passer to get the full time gig. I agree that Gio looks probably the best long term....I just don't know how long a runner like Lacy will last in the NFL....those players tend to have a short shelf life.

Could be wrong, but I read that Gio is doing well in pass protection and that is another reason the team really likes him.

I agree with you on shelf life though in terms of Lacy's vs Bernard's running style.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

For me it's (dynasty only):

Michael, Gio, Lacy, Lattimore -- possibly good enough to be first choice starters for 3+ years

Bell, Ball -- strong value now, but don't think either guy can hold an NFL starting job for long

K Davis, Anderson, Stacy -- might make it as starters

Ware, Murray, Taylor -- at least a little bit intriguing

Franklin, Randle, Gillislee, Ellington -- little to no value now or in the future