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Green Bay Packers: Five running back targets in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) is tackled by Southern California Trojans linebacker Olajuwon Tucker (34) during an NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) is tackled by Southern California Trojans linebacker Olajuwon Tucker (34) during an NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh Ferguson (6) runs with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh Ferguson (6) runs with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Ferguson, Illinois

There’s a lot to like about Josh Ferguson out of Illinois. When looking at smaller, speedy backs who could be “home run” hitters behind Lacy, Ferguson’s name is high on the list. The 5-foot-9, 198-pounder lacks the frame to be an every-down back, but he wouldn’t need to be in Green Bay.

Ferguson has electric speed with quick feet and is tough to tackle. Once he gets into the open field he can be dangerous, always threatening to take it to the house. This could happen often in the Packers’ offense due to his ability in the passing game. Ferguson can be used as a pass-catcher out of the backfield or be lined up in the slot.

Last year, Ameer Abdullah was a player who looked like a great fit in Green Bay behind Lacy. With Starks backing him up, the Packers didn’t need to make a move. Ferguson shares many of the same skills and could provide tremendous value for Green Bay on day two or three.

With his ability as a runner and pass-catcher, his lighting speed could be the perfect complement to Lacy’s tackle-breaking engine.

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