Should the Packers pick a running back in the first round?

[Chubbyhubby]

I'd say we could use another DT. :P

How about Red Bryant from Texas A&M ?

Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M (Senior)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 325 lbs
40 Time: n/a
Vertical: n/a

POSITIVES
• Very large man
• Run stuffer – clogs hole and is tough to move
• Gets a great push, and collapses pocket in pass rush
• Seems very strong
• Makes a lot of tackles for a big guy

NEGATIVES
• Not that greatest athlete
• Does not appear to be very fast
• Not a dynamic pass rusher

PREDICTION
Bryant is a rock in the interior of the defensive line. Teams in the NFL are starting to realize that a tough, fundamentally sound lineman is a necessity. Therefore, expect Bryant’s name to be called in the second round at some point.

[oregonpackfan]

Cason from Arizona. Did you see some of the hits he laid in that Oregon game?!?

I too was highly impressed with Antoine Cason. Not only is he a great hitter, he is a playmaker. In the game against Oregon, he caught a punt and took it in for a touchdown. Later, he intercepted a pass and took it in for another touchdown.

The guy was the MVP of the game, IMO.

[Lurker64]

I'd rank a corner who can play physical man to man coverage above a RB, all other things being equal, on my draft board. Still, we're at the point right now that we can literally take the best player available, having no real gaping holes at any positions right now. So there's no reason to draft for need.

I mean, certainly draft some RBs or sign some free agent RBs in the offseason, certainly. We could use some depth at that position. But they don't necessarily need to be 1st round guys or big name free agents. Right now, in the offseason, we're looking for a guy to be a change of pace with Grant. Anybody we draft in the first round or pay big bucks to in FA will be looking to start (since rookie RBs, unlike other positions, often make big impacts.) We don't need a starter at that position, since it looks like we found one. We just need depth.

[Fritz]

I'll just say this: whatever you do, don't draft anybody from Clemson. I don't know if there's something in the water there, but despite the fact it's a major school it consistently turns out undisciplined, underacheiving athletes masquerading as football players.

[run pMc]

Slayton screams 3rd down back to me. Speed kills in the college game, but in the pros everyone is fast. Who knows, he might turn out to be Westbrook.
I've not seen Hart play much, but I've heard him described as a classic college back who won't succeed in the pro game...presumably because he's short and not a burner. I don't necesarily buy this, but I wouldn't drop a R1 pick on him.
I have no idea what TT will do this offseason...it's a long way from now. I do think he knows there are lots of areas (CB, RB, OL, TE, LB, S) that could be shored up. Since it's his job, I'll leave that to him & the scouts, and cheer for who they pick.

[Merlin]

Wynn and Jackson can't stay on the field long enough to get any better and that is a huge concern to me. Herron will be gone, the writing is on the wall and Chris White doesn't seem to be an option since he was never promoted from the practice squad when we needed a backup RB to Grant. If a stud RB falls to you in the first round, I think you need to take him.

Currently we are running somewhat of a hybrid of the ZBS. It isn't a power running game but we are pulling tackles and guards more often on running plays and not taking out the backside pursuit as much. So drafting a running back to fit the ZBS scheme isn't necessary. We need to pick up someone who can pound it in there and has speed. to get to the edge. We should be looking for a running back from a DI school that runs the ball a lot and is successful at it.

[3irty1]

I'd rather get a CB who can press than Cason.

[Partial]

Cason is a cornerback. He looks like a stud.