Saturday, April 24, 2010

Packers select RB James Starks

With their lone pick in the 6th round of the NFL Draft, #193 overall, the Pack finally selected a running back. They chose James Starks out of Buffalo. Not exactly known as a football powerhouse -- in fact, only recently resuming a football program -- Starks set a school record for rushing in 2008 with more than 3,100 yards rushing. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2009 season with a shoulder injury.

So what exactly are the Packers betting on? That they might have gotten a sleeper...and that the shoulder injury won't be a chronic problem. It was pretty much a given that the Packers would pick up a running back somewhere along the day today. According to the scouting report, Starks is a runner who might fit very well with the zone blocking scheme. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, so he brings a bit of speed to the equation. Starks reportedly can also catch passes quite handily. At #193, he was worth a flyer.

The Pack's next and final pick is #230 overall.