Fantasy Football Impact: Green Bay Packers 2013 Draft

Draft Recap

The Packers did a tremendous job of addressing their areas of need early in the draft and grabbed two players make an immediate impact in the starting lineup as soon as Week 1. Green Bay used their first round pick on UCLA defensive end Datone Jones to add some explosiveness to the front seven. Alabama’s Eddie Lacy is the most complete running back in this class, and the Packers were able to get him at the end of the second round as a few teams that also had need in the backfield passed on him. Through the rest of the draft the Packers managed to build some quality depth, with the most interesting being RB Jonathan Franklin out of UCLA.

Fantasy Impact:

Lacy is going be one of the top rookies on most fantasy draft boards this season, and the hype is warranted. The Packers have struggled to produce on the ground the last few seasons–Aaron Rodgers was their second leading rusher last year–and Lacy should be able to step right into the starting job. There have been health concerns throughout his collegiate career, but he played in the most physical conference in the NCAA and will be used to the type of pounding required of an NFL back. Lacy’s helath is not the biggest worry for us, but  more so is the presence of Aaron Rodgers. Obviously the Packers want to be better in the run game, but when you have a guy of Rodgers ability he needs the ball in his hands. Lacy will be the back to own out of training camp in Green Bay, but there is little chance that any Packers runner will finish in the top-10 among fantasy backs based on their pass heavy offense.

Johnathan Franklin is a very solid runner and can pass protect s well and he will get opportunities. If Lacy’s injury concerns become a true worry in the NFL  then Franklin is a guy you want on your roster, he will be a great handcuff if nothing else.

The Defense will see a boost from Jones and Iowa corner Micah Hyde, who work his way into some nickel and dime packages.

Draft Results