Story Created:
May 18, 2009
Story Updated:
May 18, 2009
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Our Experts Predict
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• 2008 Season
2008 Season Preview:
• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Receivers
• Offensive Line
• Defensive Line
• Linebackers
• Defensive Backs
• Special Teams
More:
• Favre Makes Jets Debut
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The Running Backs
|
| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#25 Ryan Grant
 |
6'1", 226 lbs.
2nd Year
Notre Dame |
188 rushes, 956 yards, 5.1 yards/carry, 8 TDs; 30 receptions, 145 receiving yards |
Let's extrapolate his last 10 games of 2007 total yard statistics over a 16 game season: 1677 yards, 13 TDs. That's more than the "next great running back in the NFL," the Vikings' Adrian Peterson had last year. If this holdout/preseason injury bug layoff doesn't hamper him in the start of the season, Grant should take up his new co-leadership role of the Packers offense and have a dominating year. |
#32 Brandon Jackson
 |
5'10", 220 lbs.
2nd Year
Nebraska |
75 rushes, 267 yards, 3.6 yards/carry, 1 TD; 16 receptions, 130 receiving yards |
Probably in the upper half of No. 2 running backs in the NFL. He will need to grow his skills as a change-of-pace, out-of-the-backfield receiver to take the pressure off of Aaron Rodgers on 3rd downs. He proved he could play the role in the Jan. 12, 2008 NFC Semifinal win against Seattle. |
#28 Kregg Lumpkin
 |
5'11", 228 lbs.
Rookie
Georgia |
(with Georgia)
12 rushes, 44 yards, 3.7 yards/carry; 2 receptions, 13 receiving yards |
This guy shows, both in the backfield and on special teams, that he belongs on an NFL team, even though he had no business making the Packers in people's minds before camp started. Don't be shocked by his injury-beleaguered senior year stats with the Bulldogs. He rushed for 798 yards in Georgia's 2006 campaign, so we know he can play in the toughest conference in college football. |
|
The Fullbacks
|
| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#35 Korey Hall
 |
6'0", 243 lbs.
2nd Year
Boise State |
8 rushes, 49 yards, 6.1 yards/carry |
The heir apparent to William Henderson, Hall proved in the late stretch of the season (before a hip injury) he could pulverize linebackers and truly assist Ryan Grant in his late-season surge to Pro Bowl-caliber status. Another couple full seasons like that and some linebackers with their ears still ringing from Hall's blocks may consider him for Hawaii soon, too. |
#30 John Kuhn
 |
6'0" 259 lbs.
3rd year
Shippensburg |
2 receptions, 7 yards |
Kuhn started the last game of 2007 at fullback, and in many games this year, he took out linebackers to help pop big gains for halfbacks (Grant's 62-yard TD run versus Dallas, a 46-yard run by Brandon Jackson against Detroit). He's more known for popping return specialists on kickoff and punt coverage, and that will probably be his more featured role this year. |
Source: Green Bay Packers, Stats LLC
