The Green Bay Packers made a trade down in the NFL draft and got the player they wanted all along in Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, but after some complications have come up regarding his toe injury, the team may look for insurance in the form of Ahmad Bradshaw.
According to ESPN.com, the Packers were not worried about the toe issue and Alabama doctors said that any long term issues for Lacy are not a problem, which is why they felt comfortable trading down in the draft. The team originally had the No. 55 pick, but traded down and allowed the Broncos to select Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, which John Elway said they did due to the possibility of future injuries with the toe on Lacy. The two backs were considered close by many scouts.
Lacy had toe fusion surgery after the 2011 season and while some surgeries can limit mobility, Alabama doctors have said that it won't be an issue for Lacy. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell before either of the backs likely because of the injury concerns and while the Packers may not be worries, they could go for some insurance in the form of Ahmad Bradshaw.
The former Giants running back was a cap casualty for the team after winning two Super Bowls in New York and he is still a free agent despite rushing for 1,000 yards last season, likely due to the fact that he has had surgery on both of his feet over the years. Bradshaw is a hard runner and he could help the Packers, who have been one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL over the past few years. The 27-year-old has been cleared medically and after some chatter with the Steelers, he still remains a free agent.
Some other spots for Bradshaw includes the Kansas City, New York Giants and Tampa Bay apart from the Packers, but the pairing could work well for Green Bay, as Aaron Rodgers would love some solid rushing attack behind him. Last season Bradshaw dealt with some injuries but rushed for over 1,000 yards, but after drafting David Wilson the Giants felt he was expendable. The running back had some solid years in New York while winning two Super Bowls and he is frequently called one of the toughest players in the league.