Projected Starters: Eddie Lacy, Alabama
Eddie Lacy has become an absolute beast in the NFL, offering the Packers a strong inside the tackles bell cow who has already developed solid pass-catching skills, something that is definitely a priority in Green Bay's uptempo system and with Aaron Rodgers under center.
Lacy doesn't provide top-notch speed but when he gets out into the open it is hard to slow down the 5-11, 230 pound running back. Just last season he recorded 1,139 yards on 246 carries and reached the end zone nine times. He also averaged a very solid 4.6 yards per carry, and proved to be one of the hardest running backs to take down in the NFL. He has reminded many experts and analysts of Marshawn Lynch, due to their similar measurables and style of play.
As long as Eddie Lacy is healthy and producing at the rate he has through his firs two seasons in Green Bay, he will be starting behind Aaron Rodgers, and will consistently take pressure off the Super Bowl-winning and two-time MVP signal-caller.
John Kuhn, Shippensburg
Kuhn has been a fan favorite in Green Bay due to his smart play and loyalty to the team. He has been a remarkably productive blocker for both Eddie Lacy in the Packers zone blocking offensive scheme as well as in pass protection of Aaron Rodgers.
The 6-0, 250 pound ten year veteran had a productive season from a fullback, especially in today's NFL, where the position is slowly fading away, with multiple teams not using fullbacks in their offensive schemes. He had 85 yards on 24 carries, averaging 3.5 yards rush attempt and reaching pay dirt once last season.
Kuhn is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and you would have to assume that, with all the other free agents currently on the mind of GM Ted Thompson, Kuhn cannot be considered a top priority for the Packers this offseason. Expect Kuhn to not receive a deal until the middle of April to the end of April, and it will be yet another one year agreement, as Kuhn is on the wrong side of 30, and isn't exactly talented enough to warrant a multi-year contract from financial wizard Ted Thompson.
I am as excited as everyone to continue bellowing "Kuhn!!" every time #30 receives the ball, even if it is only for another season.
Free Agency
James Starks will be returning to Green Bay for the 2015-2016 season, as he is still under contract for this season. That is a great thing to hear for the Packer faithful, as Starks has been a solid contributor and a nice change-of-pace back since the Packers selected power running Eddie Lacy in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Luckily for the Packers, DuJuan Harris is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, which means that he may only sign with his prior team, granted the Packers decide to give Harris the minimum qualifying offer for a second year player.
The free agency class for the running back position doesn't possess many sleeper options who will warrant cheap contracts, so expect the Packers to offer Harris the minimum qualifying offer and move their thought process to more pressing needs that have to be addressed immediately this offseason.
NFL Draft Options
The question remains, however, if the Packers do not want DuJuan Harris back running the football on the Frozen Tundra every Sunday, who will occupy the third spot on the depth chart come Week 1?
Well, in my opinion, the Packers do resign Harris to the minimum amount required, however, as a crazy Packer fan who loves to think of ever single scenario possible, I have to consider the fact that the Packers could turn down Harris and turn to the draft.
The Packers have so many needs, that if they do draft a running back, it will occur in the later rounds, more specifically in the sixth or seventh round. Two names come to my head immediately. These two running backs share three traits: they both are projected late round picks (6th-7th round), they both come from the SEC, and both are small, yet speedy backs. Those two names are Josh Robinson from Mississippi State and Trey Williams out of Texas A&M. Robinson stands at 5-8 and 217 pounds, and worked wonders for Coach Dan Mullen at MSU, racking up solid statistics, even with dual threat Dak Prescott at quarterback. Williams was so impressive at the combine, as he had a top three performance for a running back for the 40 time and, although standing at 5-7 and weighing 195 pounds, he showed the ability to make quick decisions in between the tackles and showed nice vision and burst while at Texas A&M.
Projected Backup: James Starks, Buffalo
Starks has proven to be a nice complement to Eddie Lacy and still has the capability to lead the Packers offense for entire drives at a time while lacy takes a breather, a valuable trait that every NFL backup running back should strive to possess. With DuJuan harris returning, the Packers have a complete stable of quality backs, as Harris proved he belonged at the highest level during the Packers playoff run the year before they selected Eddie lacy in the second round.
Conclusion
The Packers seem set at the running back position, as the trio of Lacy, Starks, and Harris should provide offensive coordinator and associate head coach tom Clements a lot of versatility and flexibility at the position, something the Packers haven't been able to consistently say about the franchises' stable of runners behind the quarterback.
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