FanPost

Are the Packers Making a mistake with Starks


Now I do no think Starks is a poor player but I do think that Harris need to be more involved for three reasons v.s. the Lions . Number one he is the better pass-catcher out of the backfield plus he can be flexed into the slot easier than Starks. I realize that he has been injury prone and he might want to avoid an injury but it seems to me that he is protecting himself. He hasn't been the decisive, downhill runner that he was last year. Finally Starks is in the twilight of his career he will never be and can never be a number one back again. 100 carries is his limit. Next year is the year of the RB I could give you names if you want but there are at least 10 guys with starter/1a talent Greenbay needs to know for sure what they have in Harris because god forbid if Lacy goes down we need a another guy that can carry the load for multiple weeks.

I personally don't think Harris is that guy, I see him as a utility back but he did look good as a starter for stretches two years ago, but that was two years ago which is longer than the average career for a no3 Half back. Starks stats for this year are 80-307 3.8 average and 18-140 7.8 that is below average for his role and considering that both averages would decrease with more touches due to fatigue. All of this for 1.250 million which is 1a money Harris is significantly cheaper and has performed on a consistent level of 4.0 or above per carry and 8 yards a reception both of which are on par with Starks.

Here is why I like Harris better, he is more powerful, he has low center of gravity and is not afraid of contact. If you look back watch some Starks highlights does, he not punish defenders. Now in conclusion i do not think that Harris is a superior running back overall just better between the tackles and could be developed into the better receiver. I also do not think Starks is a bad back just, one with no upside and replaceable. My sneaking suspicion is that Green Bay is carrying a two role back neither of which has upside in the case of an injured Eddie Lacy. In my opinion though this should be Starks last year as a Green Bay Packer. An NFL team should carry three types of backs a power back, receiving back and back-up power back. Green Bay has a power back Lacy a possible receiving back Harris? and a very limited combination of the two Starks. This upcoming draft has a plethora of very late round talent that could be game changers before you argue go look up tape on these guys.

David Johnson Running back UNI 6-2 229 is a superior version of Starks, faster, heavier and reminds you of Jordy Nelson as a receiver long strider with deceptive speed. Projects as high or higher as a receiver, is a nightmare on screens. If you haven't noticed I'm high on this guy because he offers tremendous upside as a receiver and could play the slot allowing you to put lacy on the field at the same time. Not an every down back in the NFL but look at these stats as a receiver 38-536 a 14.1 average secondly has return 12 kicks for 438 a 36.5 average and a TD. Offers value in three phases receiver, running back and returner. Despite all this he is projected at the 5th round and maybe around in the sixth.

Terrence Magee LSU 5-9 218 some question marks around him as LSU had some issues with running. In addition was never really given a chance to prove himself as he was behind Jeremy Hill and Alfred Blue last year and was in a RB by committee this year. Shows power and elusiveness and maybe a better NFL player than college. Offers an upgrade on Harris as the are essentially the same player only Magee is even heavier. To me he shows potential to be the power part of a RB by committee if Lacy or perhaps Starks goes down. Magee is projected as a 6-7 rd back

Micheal Dyer Louisville 5-9 215, Is a boom or bust prospect had tremendous talent at Auburn rushing for over a thousand yards as a true freshman and sophomore but has multiple brushes with the law. Maybe a top 5 talent wise in this draft but has some risk due to off the field incidents. Green Bay has shown it's self willing to give second chances, Colt Lyerla, Johnny Jolly. Has been trouble free for two years as a 7th round to UDFA prospect is more than worh the risk.

note names are links to highlight reels.

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