Cory's Corner: Be thankful for Eddie Lacy

The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone and Packers fans have at least one thing to be thankful for.

Eddie Lacy may have only been a Packer for 3 ½ seasons, but he was productive. He won the 2013 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year as a player that punished opposing defenses that thought they could still tackle him in the second half.

The next year he started all 16 regular season games for the only time in his career and was rewarded with 4.6 yards a carry and finished third on the team in receptions with 42.

But there is also Lacy’s health and motivation and that’s why his days in Green Bay are over. His ankles are terrible and since he is a larger running back he absorbs more hits than the average back. Which means, his career arc is only going to be spotted more often with trips to the IR.

Lacy is a serviceable back. He has sacrificed his body and took plenty of criticism — especially after coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that he was overweight following last season after being asked nearly all year.

Obviously it doesn’t help that running back isn’t a respected position in the NFL. If you don’t believe me, the Packers had Knile Davis on the roster for 13 days before cutting him. And recently they claimed Christine Michael off waivers.

The elephant in the room with Lacy will always be: What is his motivation? Does he truly love football or does he love what comes with football? If he loves football, then he doesn’t have a problem getting better from game video and being in excellent football shape.

His biggest enemy during his short NFL career has always been himself, and that’s why this is the end of the line for the Packers’ spin-moving bowling ball. His NFL career isn’t over. Lacy will likely get an incentive-driven contract.

But it’s time for the Packers to get a reliable featured back. The offense has no footing when the running game isn’t even a threat.

The Packers will likely get a high draft pick from this year’s disappointment. The Super Bowl window is closing with each Aaron Rodgers’ passing year and he turns 33 in December. The Packers must take a running back first to take pressure off the receivers that have either regressed or are still nursing injuries.

After Lacy’s rookie season, many thought he was the next Ahman Green. But when you’re noticeably heavier from a season of poor choices or just not willing to prepare like a pro should, he’s just another Brent Fullwood.

So be thankful for all that Lacy gave as a Packer, because his time is up.

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (50)

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Bearmeat's picture

November 26, 2016 at 06:36 am

If current management and coaching staffs are still in place all offseason, I'd bet anything Lacy gets a incentive laden 1 year contract from GB. Ted will use the pick on a CB or WR.

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NickPerry's picture

November 26, 2016 at 09:07 am

I wonder how much Leonard Fournette's stock drops after this past season. What he did in 2015 was special, this season he's been injured for at least 5 games. Still if the Packers end up where I think they might, there's a chance they could draft him in Round 2, though I doubt he'd last that long. I really believe this team is so lost this season they could have a top 7 pick. Drafting at the top of each round might be enough to kick start this team for another run before Rodgers retires

It also depends who's here. The perfect scenario in my mind is Wolf be named GM and Thompson is kept as an advisor. Let's face facts, the Packers have a lot of needs. CB, WR, RB, TE, OL, and OLB are at the top of the list in any order you want to put them in. LOTS of good CB's coming out this season. Also wouldn't mind seeing Corey Davis in a Packers uniform next season.

If Thompson IS here I could totally see Ted giving Lacy a incentive laden contract. If it was put in his contract he had to play around 235 or 240 it might be enough to get another year or two out of him. But do the Packers really want the headache of holding their breath each Winter to see if a "Grown Man" will take care of his body over the offseason?

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Bearmeat's picture

November 26, 2016 at 10:24 am

I don't care if he's 235. What I want is a body comp with nothing over 15% fat. That's what's important for athletes. NO professional RB should be over 15% - ever. It's inexcusable that Eddie has let that become a problem. His ONLY job is to be in shape and play well. Even at a rookie salary, he could hire a full time chef and personal trainer if he lived otherwise frugally.

I don't particularly want Eddie back. But if his guaranteed pay was almost zero and we had a good backup plan... I'd be ok with it.

And regardless of his injury, Fournette won't fall to the 2nd. Not after what Zeke has done this year.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:42 pm

1st off, how do you know what Eddie Lacy's body fat is at??? Have you been giving him checkups?? Or do you think you can just tell that by looking at him with shoulder pads, back pad and rib pads on?? And the fact that you're more focused on his body fat than his production, that's an issue. He was averaging 5.1 ypc this season before getting hurt. If he's picking up 5.1 ypc, what does it matter if his body fat is 50%??? All that matters is his production, and he had great production in 2013 and 2014, modest production in 2015, and was on pace for another very productive 2016 before getting hurt. Isn't that what's most important, what he does on the field??? Last I checked, 5.1 ypc is amazing, especially for a back who has everybody watching doing nothing but complaining about how big he is.

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NickPerry's picture

November 27, 2016 at 05:43 am

Bearmeat.....I don't think he's viewed nearly as good as Zeke was. I thought I'd read something about him lacking in the passing game. Either as a receiver or blocker or perhaps both. No matter you're probably right, he doesn't fall to the 2nd round, even the Top of the 2nd round.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:53 pm

We don't need any WRs, we just need a run game. A run game that is respected by the defense, and that will help open things up more. We currently have Ty Montgomery who has done nothing but make plays when on the field that we can't get on the field right now cause our top 3 are playing pretty good this year.

What's wrong with our Oline?? We currently have one of the best OT duo's in the NFL. Tretter was grading out as a top 5 Center, and Linsley is a top 10 caliber Center. Tretter will be re-signed. So those 4 guys will be there. Lane Taylor has been more than serviceable at LG, and TJ Lang, who is questionable about whether he'll be back or not, is a top 5 RG. And if he is let go, we have our 2nd round pick this year ready to replace him. Kyle Murphy there too. We could use some depth, and that's something that we have to start using free agency for. We can't draft everything. Our top needs right now as we sit are RB, TE, OLB and CB. TE could be alleviated some if Cook keeps playing like he did last week. CB should be addressed with some experience since we'll be clearing about 10 mil in cap space losing Shields. WR, Oline, Dline, QB, ILB, Safety, neither of those position should be considered too early in the draft.

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NickPerry's picture

November 27, 2016 at 05:36 am

Nelson Cobb...I've saw your posts on other sites and really like & normally agree with much of what you say. We no longer have a WR who has that speed to take of the Top of a defense. Nelson will remain an asset next season IMO but he's not going to be 2014 fast again. Davis could be the guy, but I don't think he's a naturally good route runner, he could take some time. After 20 games of watching our WR not get enough separation, 20 games of breaking off ANYTHING long other than a once every 5 games throw, are you really going to say we don't need a WR. If you've posted here a while you'll know I LOVE Ty Montgomery. Problem is our HC doesn't. The second we see Ty make a few plays he's on the bench for full quarters at a time, and that happened BEFORE the "Sickle Cell" diagnosis.

Cobb has literally fallen of the face of the earth. I think with a great WR coach and a creative offensive mind maybe Cobb could resemble what he did in 2014, but he's not come close this year with Nelson back and last year he showed he's a #2 at best. Maybe he can be great again, but right now do you think he's worth $10 MILLION a season???

Adams is James Jones II and that's a compliment. Adams lacks any break away speed, we saw it again 2 weeks ago getting caught from behind. The Packers needs a big, fast, physical WR. It may not be a top need, but I'd say it's at least a 2nd round need since they still have Rodgers. I like what Adams has done this season, but Davante is a possession receiver, nothing more or less.

How do you know Tretter will be resigned? He's positioned himself to receive a HELL of a contract in Free Agency as a Center. Do the Packers sign him as a Center? Do the Packers even want to pay him? Do the Packers even want him at Center? If so what happens to Lindsey? The ideal situation would be to move Tretter to guard but NO ONE knows if he willing to move over or wants to stay. If he hits FA, he could be as good as gone.

"CB should be addressed with some experience since we'll be clearing 10 mil in cap space losing Shields"

Do you know something the rest of us don't? Is Ted Thompson retiring? Is he being replaced? That's a hell of a statement to make with Thompson still calling shots. He'll look at it this way, all those UDFA from this year have experience for next season. If Ted is in GB next season, there won't be a Woodson type signing THAT'S for sure.

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Malland56's picture

November 28, 2016 at 12:12 am

Ya those backups have really come thru haven't they. NOT. MM said at the beginning of the year that this was the best OL he has ever had. If so then why is Rogers running for his life like last year and the year before and the bigger issue is the run blocking totally sucks. Eddie's 5 ypr this year was mostly on his own not that he had a huge hole to run thru.

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Houndog's picture

November 27, 2016 at 08:34 am

I like what you're thinking Nick to some degree, but...........
Why would Albino Ted be needed as an adviser if Wolf were to be named GM? There is this guy out there named Ron Wolf that would be an automatic adviser, and we've seen enough of TT's way, keeping him around would only hinder the new guy's process.
Of course all of this is based upon our perception that young Wolf is the 'Second Coming' and that's not guaranteed. On the other hand, there's a number of other teams out there that think he might be, and sooner or later someone will take that chance and offer him something the Packers can't match if they plan on keeping Ted, a GM offer!
Let's just get this show back on the road now! Fire Albino Ted (F.A.T.) and McPuffy and start over with a complete new crew.
Would Bill Cowher come out of retirement to coach a legendary franchise? Hmmmmm, maybe, maybe not, bit if so, we wouldn't be the meek squeaks the Packers are today!

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Hematite's picture

November 26, 2016 at 06:57 am

While I believe Lacy is as good as gone, I don't believe the Pack should draft a running back in the 1st round.

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Bert's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:59 am

Assuming we have a Top 10-15 pick we damn well better pick an impact player in RD 1 or the misery will only continue. This roster just doesn't have enough high quality impact type players. Geez. We've been touting CM and AR as our impact guys for years. Time for another perennial All Pro guy.

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Turophile's picture

November 27, 2016 at 08:05 am

Lacy should stay on the team, at least for this year, because the Packers have pressing needs at other positions.

Packers will need an OLB/DE (probably Peppers and Datone Jones gone) and the good ones go VERY early. I'd make that the first target. Tim Williams (OLB Alabama) is currently rated at #17 overall (by CBS), so the Packers might be able to drop a few spots and pick him up. Barnett (Tennessee) is an alternative, a little bigger and slower, with a similar rating.

They are also in need of a true no.2 outside receiver, something that has been missing for a while. Perhaps W.Michigan's Corey Davis will be there in round 2 (or maybe could be had with a small trade up). He has the size and most importantly the speed, to be a no.2. If Clemson WR Mike Williams was still there when the Pack pick in round one, I'd be very tempted to get him first and UCLA OLB Takkarist McKinley in the second.

The Packers could run with Randall as no.1 CB, though he hasn't proved he could be that guy yet (expect Shields to hang his boots up after that months-long concussion), just as they could roll with Cook as their one TE with speed. It would be smart though, to add a solid CB and a quick TE. Guys like Gareon Conley (CB 6'0", 195, Ohio State and Jeremy Sprinkle (TE 6'5", 256, Arkansas) could be targets in rounds 3 and 4.

Now the Packers are into round 5. This is where I'd get a backup RB for the coming year (in the RB position, it is easier to be productive as a rookie than most other positions). Someone like UL LaFayette's RB Elijah McGuire (5'10", 208). After that, whatever, maybe a guard like Georgia's Greg Pyke, and a developmental prospect (comp 5th and 6th round picks), followed by a punter in the 7th maybe ?

With many areas addressed, I think NEXT year is the one to chase a starter quality RB, because even though this is a good year for RBs, other positions can take preference, if you have retained Lacy. More speed on offense (WR/TE) could go a long way to getting the Packers offense back to where it used to be, while a top OLB will help the pass rush and ease pressure on the backfield.

Of course all this is entirely dependent on how the draft falls on the day, better bargains may be available, and targeted guys may be gone.

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NickPerry's picture

November 27, 2016 at 06:15 am

I LOVE Corey Davis. 6' 3" about 218 and runs around a 4.47 (They Think). Depending on the Combine I think Conley, Williams, and Davis could all be high or highish picks. I don't think Conley last until the 3rd myself, they always seem to go quickly.

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Horse's picture

November 26, 2016 at 07:21 am

I've seen Eddie Lacy play, live and in person, more than once. Cory's continuing criticism of Lacy for "motivation" does not pass the eye test.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 26, 2016 at 03:53 pm

Try looking at Eddie's gut.

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Horse's picture

November 26, 2016 at 05:32 pm

I'd rather stick to watching him refuse to go down and try to squeeze out the last 1/2 yard with 5 guys on his back. You pay attention to whatever you like. I like football. And I don't like witch hunts.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 07:54 pm

I'm with you all the way dude. People seem to be more concerned with Eddie Lacy's appearance than his actual game, and his game this year was picking up 5.1 yards per carry before getting hurt. That's over double what Starks is getting this year. He was on pace for over 1,100 yards again, despite limited carries and usage. Who cares about all that production though when he's not shredded like James Starks??? It's ridiculous. Last year was a rough year for Lacy, but he still had a respectable 4.1 ypc and ran hard when he did get the ball. He was looking good in his bounce back year, running good and hard, and looking like the the Eddie Lacy pre 2015. We need Eddie Lacy right now, and it's unfortunate we can't get him back. I don't get why people are wanting him gone so bad, our offense has been night and day with him vs without him, and what's the alternative next year?? We draft a rookie and make him our #1, ok, but what about our #2 and #3?? Starks with his 2.5 ypc again as our #2?? Come on. And what happens if the draft doesn't fall our way, and Fournette and Cook are gone before our pick, and the other top RB's go between our picks, we just gonna go into the season the way we are sitting today with Starks as our #1?? It makes no sense to let Eddie Lacy walk. He's still a great RB, was showing that this year and was bouncing back strong, and he won't be costly because of how the last 2 years have gone. At worst, we re-sign him and go into 2017 with him as our starter, we still have a guaranteed run game as long as he's healthy. At best, we re-sign him, and can draft Dalvin Cook or another one of the top rookie RB's, and have a strong 1-2 with the rookie and Lacy. Anything with Lacy going into 2017 is better than the alternative. How do people not see this??

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EdsLaces's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:34 am

#McCaffreywatch2016

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NickPerry's picture

November 26, 2016 at 09:05 am

He would be an interesting piece in GB wouldn't he? He's 6 feet tall and weighs 201 pounds. LeSean McCoy is 5'11 and weighs 207 pounds. Is he as fast as McCoy? I know he's quick as hell. I listed McCoy because the first thought I had about McCaffrey is he "smallish" which concerns me some.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 07:59 pm

I like McCaffrey as a player, but not as a pick for the Packers. He's likely gonna be a swiss army knife type player, not a feature RB like we actually need. He'll play snaps at WR and RB, but won't be a 25 touch guy. We need a guy who can carry it 25 times. We've found a guy who can work successfully as a swiss army knife type player in Ty Montgomery going forward. Now we need a guy like Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette, Royce Freeman, not Christian McCaffrey. Our RB group for 2017, Dalvin Cook, Eddie Lacy, Ty Montgomery.

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Since'61's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:53 am

In addition to Lacy's weight and ankle problems he has had at least 2 concussions. Another concussion probably ends his career regardless of where he ends up playing next, if he continues to play at all.
He needs to decide if wants to play and if yes, he needs to control his weight and then does he choose to accept the risk of another concussion. Either way I agree with the article that his time is Green Bay is over. He was great in 2013 and 2014 and a disappointment since then. Thanks, Since '61

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Bert's picture

November 26, 2016 at 09:31 am

Agree. I think it's time to move on from Lacy. He just doesn't keep himself in shape and we can't keep roster spots for injuries waiting to happen like Lacy.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:08 pm

He was averaging 5.1 ypc this year before getting hurt. That's disappointing?? He took a nasty hit on his ankle, it was unfortunate, but Eddie Lacy was looking great this year in his limited time. As for the concussions, he's missed just 1 game in his career because of concussion, yet you think his next one might end his career?? That's a serious jump. His 2nd concussion was minor, and he was cleared by the next game. Concussions aren't a worry with Lacy like they were with Shields, not even close. We lost Eddie Lacy, and we completely lost any run game we had. If we don't re-sign Lacy, how do we fix that?? Starks isn't fixing it, we already see that with his 2.5 ypc this year. You gonna put all your eggs into the draft fixing our run game issues??? That's not smart, cause what happens if things don't fall the way you want em, and you can't get one of the top RB's?? You gonna go ahead and bank on a mid round guy fixing our issues, or gonna rely on James Starks going into 2017 as our starter??? See, makes no sense to let Eddie Lacy walk, cause he is a great RB, and when healthy gives us the run game we desperately need. Worst case scenario, you get a mid round back, and you go into 2017 with Lacy as the starter. Best case, you get the RB you want, and you have Eddie Lacy as our #2, in case our rookie back gets hurt. Packers need to keep Eddie Lacy!!

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Since'61's picture

November 26, 2016 at 10:30 pm

Lacy had a 5.1 ypc with no TDs and with being too slow to the LOS on third and short. He makes some nice runs but he has not been very consistent since 2014, injuries or not. Also, don't underestimate the impact of concussions, they have a cumulative effect. His next one could cost him a game, a season or a career. Why invest cap money on a player who has been unable to control his weight, has ankle problems, leaves yards on the field and has a concussion concern? Now if Lacy is contracted to maintain a playing weight that would contribute to resigning him for the right price. However, we should also consider that most RBs decline after their 4th and 5th seasons. I'd look for a back in the draft and via FA. Thanks, Since '61

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pooch's picture

November 26, 2016 at 10:09 am

Packers dont have the luxury of drafing running back when they need te,olbers,dt,db,wr

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pooch's picture

November 26, 2016 at 10:09 am

Packers dont have the luxury of drafing running back when they need te,olbers,dt,db,wr

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NickPerry's picture

November 26, 2016 at 10:21 am

Just a thought... you're correct, the Packers have a lot of needs. An ideal solution for the Packers would be for Michael to prove to be a effective RB the rest of this season and whatever issues he's had, he left behind and is a gift from the wavier wire.

AND

Lacy comes back on a 1 year "Prove It" deal with an option for a 2nd year. he reports at 235 (That's for DPF) and the Packers have a powerful and somewhat fast backfield in 2017.

Stranger things have happened!

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Since'61's picture

November 26, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Nick - that would be an ideal scenario, except that even if Lacy controls his weight he still has the concern of another concussion which could cost him at least a portion of another season if not his long term health. Plus he leaves a lot of yards on the field even when he is healthy. Thanks, Since '61

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Dzehren's picture

November 26, 2016 at 04:05 pm

I agree with Nick. Hopefully MICHAEL & Lacy in 2017. Worried more about feast-modes weight than concussion's. hopefully trader Ted can back to his old ways in the draft next year. Trade back several times and accumulate a bunch of mid round picks.

Let put all the 2017 obscure, small college UDFA's that Trader Ted finds on the practice squad next year.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:11 pm

Did you really just say Eddie Lacy leaves a lot of yards on the field?? Are you serious?? It's like you don't even watch Eddie Lacy run. He picks up more extra yards per carry than almost any player in the NFL. His yards after contact has always been among the best in football. If he's doing that, how is he "leaving yards on the field"???

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lou's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:35 pm

Lacy never leaves a yard on the field, he moves the pile yards at a time, he sells out on every play like Jimmy Taylor did in his prime. In addition he has improved catching he ball and on blitz pick up each year. To add to that resume is the fact he has not only played but EXCELLED in the biggest games in college, the recent string of play off loses by the team is in part due to the fact that some of our big names don't show in big games, my guess is Lacy will and could make a huge difference. Get him signed to a reasonable contract with condition clause bonus chances, keep on his back like Saban did and balance may return to the offense next season. If they don't someone else will and it will come back to haunt them.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 27, 2016 at 02:03 am

I agree with Lou (I think): get Lacy signed to a reasonable contract (read: not a ton of guaranteed money) with incentives and weight clauses and keep on his back like Saban did (though I doubt that can be done under the CBA).

I don't doubt that Lacy is a true "gamer" on Sundays. I just doubt his self-discipline during the off-season. I think professionalism would be a better word than motivation. BTW, there is a link between weight and the severity of asthma symptoms and between weight and the effectiveness of asthma medications.

The yards left on the field issue is about vision, or lack thereof. There have been a few articles suggesting that Lacy's vision is below average. To the extent I have an opinion, I'd say Lacy is a patient runner with decent vision.

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packerbackerjim's picture

November 26, 2016 at 11:05 am

My early draft selections would be Dalvin Cook, tho Indy might get him first. The second would be TE Jake Butt. Gotta go offense this draft in the first two rounds. CB, Edge with great speed with another big RB in the ensuing rounds.

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Ferrari Driver's picture

November 26, 2016 at 12:17 pm

Had to give you a "Thumbs Up" on that SPOT ON article.

Eddie just doesn't seem to love the game and is unwilling or unable to make the sacrifices to do what the great ones do to excel.

IMO, this is perhaps your best article. Succinct, accurate, and interesting.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:14 pm

5.1 yards per carry isn't "excelling"???

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MarkinMadison's picture

November 26, 2016 at 12:23 pm

Other than QB and OL I am all in for BPA in the first round this year - just get an impact player. Fournette's injury history compares to AP in college. The other two top RB prospects are under 205 which I don't think is adequate for an every down back. There are several corners projecting to the 1st round. That might be the way to go.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 26, 2016 at 03:58 pm

THIS^

Assuming we have a really high draft pick, we cannot use it on a reach. Any impact player at any position outside of QB and OL is what we need.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:18 pm

Have you ever watched Dalvin Cook play?? He's not 205, he's around 215, 220. He is without a doubt an every down RB in the NFL, and possibly one of the best in the near future. He has Jammal Charles written all over him. Drafting a CB would be a bad idea. We need a veteran CB to replace Shields. Unless Randall comes back and starts looking more like the week 1 player every week rather than the week 2 player, adding a rookie CB to our young CB group isn't gonna fix anything. That position needs to be addressed in free agency this year.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 26, 2016 at 03:32 pm

If Lacy can be had on mostly incentives then they absolutely need to bring him back. I'm expecting the highest draft slot they've had since 2006 and I don't want them thinking about needs too much.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 26, 2016 at 03:33 pm

Double post.

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stockholder's picture

November 26, 2016 at 05:47 pm

Disagree with you all. I'll take the comp pick. He's done in Green Bay. To injury prone! There are other change of pace backs. Time to get a speedster. I'll take another Green over Lacy any day!

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:24 pm

Yeah, cause Ahman Green's are just falling off trees every year in the draft huh?? Dude, we need more than just 1 quality RB. That's our problem now. We had 1 quality RB, Eddie Lacy. No Eddie Lacy, no consistent run game. What would it hurt to bring Lacy back as insurance and depth for 2017?? Bring him back to work as a closer in games?? What if the draft doesn't fall the way they're hoping, and the guy they are targeting keeps getting picked before they can get em, then what?? You wanna put our 2017 run game on James Starks over Eddie Lacy?? Come on dude, think!! It makes no sense to let Eddie Lacy walk, especially considering he won't be costly. He is still a great RB when healthy, obviously evidenced by his 5.1 ypc this year before getting his ankle smashed into. We re-sign Lacy, worst case scenario we get a mid round back to develop going forward and have Eddie Lacy as our #1 going into 2017, a guaranteed run game still. Best case, we maybe get Dalvin Cook, and have one of the best 1-2 punches in football Dalvin Cook starts, Eddie Lacy closes. But you let Lacy walk, you're chancing our current situation, which is no run game. Packers need to bring Lacy back!!

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stockholder's picture

November 27, 2016 at 02:30 pm

I see you feel pretty strongly about Lacy. But TT is not going to offer him more than the league minimum for veterans. I will make this prediction right now. If the Packers have their choice of RBs on the board, They will draft a RB. (They let Kuhn go. I'm figuring they will let Lacy go.) But don't figure TT or any GM will show his hand. The CB spot will be drafted in later rounds this year. Most think Shields is done. Bet he comes back.

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Larry Fisher's picture

November 26, 2016 at 06:26 pm

You could always take a cheeseburger on the goal line for incentive

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Colin_C's picture

November 26, 2016 at 07:18 pm

I'm fine with bringing him back for a dirt cheap deal. Otherwise, roll with Micheal and a later round pick RB. Our 1st round pick needs to be defense. I'll be saying this name up to draft day, but Desmond King is our man.

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Nelson Cobb's picture

November 26, 2016 at 08:35 pm

People clearly don't think too much when it comes to Eddie Lacy. They're too concerned with his appearance. Couple questions, what happened to our run game without Eddie Lacy?? It's non existent, right?? So, if we don't bring Lacy back, and if the guys the Packers target in the draft don't fall to them, then what?? How do you fix this issue we currently have with the run game if you let Lacy walk and then can't get your main targets in the draft??? Packers need to re-sign Lacy. There's really no question. He guarantees that we'll have a run game starting 2017, cause with Lacy our run game has been solid. He was only bouncing back strong, picking up 5.1 ypc this year before injury. Worst case, we bring Lacy back, go into 2017 with him as our starter and bring in a mid round guy for better depth to possibly develop into a future starter. Best case, you re-sign Lacy and get your main target, a Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette, then you have a guaranteed run game with possibly one of the best 1-2 punches in football with the rookie and Eddie Lacy. Bring in Dalvin Cook to start, Eddie Lacy to close. Some good ole thunder and lightning!! Either way, Eddie Lacy, who likely won't be to costly after the way things have gone the last 2 years, needs to be brought back as insurance, cause there's no question that he's better than James Starks and Christine Michael. Think people, think!!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 27, 2016 at 05:21 am

"Lacy...likely won't be to (sic) costly...."

That's the real issue here. Nelson, how much would you pay Eddie per year? How many years? How much guaranteed? Assume that he makes a full recovery from whatever injury he had that required surgery. Since he was close to coming back this season, he should be able to work out well before March to show he is fully healed.

Note that weight clauses and workout bonuses are automatically considered likely to be earned for cap purposes and would count against the 2017 cap; they would be credited back to the 2018 cap if not earned. Other incentives commonly used for RBs include yards (did you know that James Starks earned a $75K incentive for gaining 600 yds in 2015?), total snaps, % of offensive snaps, (these so far probably would be considered unlikely to be earned incentives since Eddie only played 5 games in 2016, meaning that the dollar amounts for those incentives if earned wouldn't count against GB's cap until 2018), receptions (more for certain types of RBs and WRs of course), pro bowls and other awards. I am against fines for excessive weight and for bonuses for making weight. I'd consider a non or partially guaranteed escalator but would have to see the details on any 2nd year option bonus.

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Lphill's picture

November 27, 2016 at 08:43 am

Nothing changes next season, the packers pick at 10 th in the draft and Ted takes a long snapper for the future.

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Dzehren's picture

November 27, 2016 at 11:40 am

It's mind boggling that we were a Super Bowl favorite this year and we now need upgrades at most positions other than safety & QB.
We need RB, CB, OLB, TE, WR OL & DL in a big way.
Time for TT to more than kick the tires in free agency

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Dzehren's picture

November 27, 2016 at 11:45 am

TT Struck gold in Free Agency with woodson and pickett- time to do the same in 2017

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