This Year’s Ryan Grant

For the first six weeks of last season, the Packers had no running game to speak of.  After long-time starter Ahman Green left via free agency for Houston, Green Bay relied heavily on rookie Brandon Jackson initially, but Jackson didn’t appear to be up to the task.  It was when Ryan Grant was inserted into the lineup that the Packers’ offense really started to roll.  In a little more than a half of a season, Grant rushed for 956 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

Are there any running backs poised for a breakout season this year?  Two guys that come to my mind as potential breakout players both happen to be rookies, but neither a first-round pick.  Chicago’s Matt Forte and Detroit’s Kevin Smith could have banner rookie seasons.  Forte steps into the starting role thanks to Cedric Benson’s tendency to have run-ins with the law and is supremely talented.  Smith joins a good Lions offense with an improving offensive line.  Smith won’t have too much trouble stealing carries from Tatum Bell, especially since Kevin Jones is no longer on the roster.  These are two guys who tore through the competition in their final collegiate seasons and I would watch out for both of them in the upcoming NFL season.

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