Packers 2017 Draft: A case for each position in the first round

The case for running back in Round 1

Running Back is a clear need on the Packers roster. Eddie Lacy left in free agency for Seattle. James Starks was released, and even though Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael show plenty of potential, they’re not necessarily the bell cow type player Green Bay could use at the position.

The Packers lack a true running threat on early downs. The trouble here though is historically the Packers haven’t valued the running back position highly in the draft during Ted Thompson’s tenure. The earliest the Packers GM has selected a halfback was Lacy at the end of the 2nd round in 2013.

However, the question is will there be a running back talented enough available at pick 29 to make the stubborn Green Bay GM change his ways?

Christian McCaffrey has been a popular name mocked to the Packers in the first round among national media pundits throughout the draft process. Controversial Oklahoma back Joe Mixon has also generated some buzz as of late as a player who could be too talented to pass up. And then there’s Dalvin Cook.

The highly electric FSU runner boasts eye-popping film and college production and was once considered a lock for the top-20. However, his poor Combine performance may give some teams pause. There are also numerous off-field and medical red flags. The 5-11, 211-pound tailback has already undergone three significant shoulder surgeries and has had numerous run-ins with the law.

It’s not improbable to think at this point Cook could fall to the Packers at the end of the first round. If the top cornerbacks and edge rushers are off the board by the time GB is on the clock, they could add a dynamic offensive weapon like McCaffrey, Mixon, or Cook to bolster their backfield.

However, with Mixon and Cook they’d have to be willing to live with the baggage that comes with selecting a player with their track record. With McCaffrey, the challenge would be to find a full-time role for him on offense without taking away looks for Montgomery.

While I like McCaffrey a lot, it’s difficult for me to envision Green Bay selecting him in the first round because Montgomery already does so many similar things on the field.