Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. reviewed the NFC North running backs for a piece published on ESPN.com. He listed the Vikings as the No. 1 group in the division, followed by the Lions, Bears and Packers.
He wrote this about the Packers:
The Packers have quite a few options at running back — as they do at seemingly every position. But in this case, there isn’t one guy who stands out head-and-shoulders above the others.
Ryan Grant returns from an ankle injury that he suffered during the first week of the season and should be the lead ball carrier. A straight-ahead, no-nonsense runner, Grant has helped Green Bay sustain offense and adds a physical dimension to this side of the ball. He wasn’t very elusive or agile before his injury, so we need to take a wait-and-see approach. But with as much attention as the Packers’ passing game commands, a back like Grant should continue to be extremely effective. Before last season, Grant had put together seasons in 2008 and 2009 in which he eclipsed 1,200 yards on the ground. And Green Bay’s offensive line could be improved this year.
James Starks had a very interesting rookie season. He wasn’t expected to contribute at all but was thrust into the limelight and exceeded expectations. He is a bigger back with very good all-around skills as a runner, but he does run more upright than you would like and is almost built like a big wide receiver. Of course, the game that everyone remembers was the wild-card round in Philadelphia when he rushed for 123 yards and looked great doing it. But that was Starks’ only exceptional game. I am still torn on what to expect from Starks, but I think his second year will be a noticeable improvement on his first. Remember, Starks missed his senior season of college with an injury and began his NFL career on the PUP list. He should be much more prepared for the challenges of the NFL going into this season.
The Packers used a third-round pick on Alex Green, a big back who comes from a passing attack at Hawaii. While he runs more upright than you would like, Green can push the pile. He also is quite adept for a rookie at picking up the rush, and he catches the ball cleanly. He should be a nice addition to this backfield and insurance for Grant and Starks.
Brandon Jackson could be looking for a new team as a free agent. Jackson can contribute in spot duty on early downs, but what he does quite well is help in the passing game. He has really carved out a niche, and if he were to leave Green Bay, his loss might be felt more than many would expect. He picks up the blitz well, has soft hands and can run a variety of routes. Jackson finished the 2010 season with more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Guys like that are not as easy to find as some might think, and asking a rookie (Green) to duplicate Jackson’s contributions might not be wise, especially considering Aaron Rodgers‘ injury history.
Dimitri Nance probably will be on the outside looking in. He is a big, powerful runner but is not especially explosive or elusive.
Scouts Inc. wrote: