Lombardi Ave
FanSided

Green Bay Packers: Ted Thompson’s top 30 draft picks of all-time

By Freddie Boston

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
39 of 61
Next

12. Eddie Lacy (Freddie’s pick)

In need of a running back who could add another dimension to the Packers’ offense, Ted Thompson turned to Eddie Lacy in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He expected Jonathan Franklin — selected in the fourth round the same year — to form a talented 1-2 punch in the backfield with Lacy moving forward.

Unfortunately, Franklin suffered a neck injury as a rookie which forced him to retire. For Lacy, he lived up to his potential and then some. A debut campaign of 1,178 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns finally gave the offense a running back opponents had to respect.

This opened up the play-action pass in a big way: Aaron Rodgers’ deep connection with Jordy Nelson to kill off the then-defending champion Ravens was a beautiful example of a running game opening up the play-action.

Lacy backed it up with another 1,000-yard season in 2014 but struggled to stay at the desired weight in 2015 which resulted in a disappointing year. However, we can expect a bounce-back season from the tackle-breaking machine as he aims to prove he deserves a new contract.

Lacy is one of the toughest backs in the league to tackle, and he will play a key role on offense in 2016.

Next: No. 11 (Ray's pick)

Home/Green Bay Packers All Time Lists