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04/21/2013 - 2013 NFL DRAFT: FIVE BOLD PREDICTIONS: 2. No running back, including Eddie Lacy of Alabama, is drafted in the first round...At least one running back has been drafted in the first round of every NFL draft since 1963. This is the year, however, in which that historic trend is broken. This isn't just a reflection of the new running-back-by-committee approach that many NFL teams favor, it is a statement about the lack of quality of high-end talent in the 2013 class -- arguably the weakest positional group of the 2013 draft. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
OVERVIEW
Lacy isn't likely to follow Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram into the first round, but he has shown enough natural running skills to go along with his bullish frame to prove he's hardly just a product of Alabama's terrific offensive line.
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.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS:
Has the leg drive to push the pile and keeps his legs churning through contact, often resulting in broken tackles. Lacy reads his blocks nicely, showing enough lateral agility to avoid defenders as well as the burst to stick his foot in the ground and accelerate through gaps quickly.
He's a well-built back, but shows good balance (including an often-used spin move) and athleticism (leaping ability) to surprise defenders anticipating that all he has is power. Runs tough and determined with an angry attitude to finish each run and pick up positive yardage.
WEAKNSESSES:
Needs to stay healthy as he's been hampered at times with foot injuries (ankle sprains, turf toe). Put the ball on the ground a few times early in his career, but improved in this area. Lacks elite top-end speed, clocking a pedestrian 4.58 and 4.62 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day.
COMPARES TO: Michael Bush, RB, Chicago Bears - Both have the power to run over defenders while also possessing surprisingly fluid feed for their big frames.
after the Packers pick was announced?? On NFL Network?
