Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy might be considered by the Packers, but he doesn’t seem like the complete back the Packers need.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Brutal honesty is a fine trait and I commend Mike Tanier of Sports on Earth for his this morning after browsing (or sneaking a peek, as he would say) at his mock draft that utilizes not only his own expertise, but those from other mocksters from across the Internet.

What he’s put together for us is a first round mock draft by the percentages – taking all of the drafts he feels are good representations and developing his own based on the players mentioned most by each team. While he posts the name of the player who has been mentioned most as that team’s pick, he also provides the two others who have also been listed on other mock drafts.

Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert is the consensus pick for the Packers.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

For instance, for the Green Bay Packers, 25 of the mocks out there project Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert as the consensus pick, but also mentions Eddie Lacy, 18 percent; and Matt Elam with 18 percent. In his description, Tanier makes excellent points in describing why neither Eifert nor Lacy make good choices for the Packers.

Here’s what he has to say:

Running back is an obvious need for the Packers, but Lacy feels like a bad fit (he’s a poor receiver), and the Packers subscribe to the theory that quality running backs can be found in later rounds, or in free agency, or bussing tables somewhere. Eifert also feels like a square peg with the Packers, who use their tight end more like a spread offense possession receiver. Ogletree and Watson also got votes. [Menelik] Watson is the kind of unique player (he’s a power forward-turned-left tackle) that Ted Thompson might be tempted to reach for.

My gut tends to agree with Tanier, but my head is also wrapped around a player who is not mentioned at all here … Giovani Bernard. For some reason, I feel Ted Thompson may buck the trend this year and reach for an impact running back like Bernard – an explosive back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. We all know how hard the Packers pursued Steven Jackson. Clearly, they did that for a reason – because they feel strongly that they need to add to their offensive firepower, especially in the backfield. Bernard may be the answer.

But as the debate continues, check out Tanier’s consensus mock draft. Check out the other NFC North teams and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below, liking us on Facebook and/or following us on Twitter.

It will take a whole lot more than "momentum" for the Giants to pull out a win against the Green Bay Packers this coming Sunday.

The “M” word, momentum, has been thrown around as much as the football off the hand of Aaron Rodgers this season – but the word as of late has been associated with the New York Giants because they have won a few games in a row – having beaten the despicably bad Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets over the past month.

Really?

Ok, so the Giants have played pretty well lately. They have a defensive line that’s healthy, they have a quarterback who has a Super Bowl ring and has been impressive as of late, and their pounding running game is enough to knock any good defense on its heels.

However, do they have the “momentum” they will need to blow into Lambeau Field and down a Green Bay Packers team that has known nothing but winning the past 20-plus games.

Read more about what changes games in the NFL after the jump … and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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