The Green Bay Packers have always been known for their excellent passing game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is one of the best in the league and he keeps the ball in the air more times than not. However, the team has lacked an essential balance over the past few years and while that has not stopped the Packers from winning games, it is a need they are ready to address. Green Bay is reportedly targeting former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy in the upcoming draft, but they are also bringing in Cedric Benson for a visit.
Benson is scheduled to be at Green Bay facilities on Wednesday for a team meeting. The team is likely going to determine the overall health of their former running back. Benson played in five games last season before being placed on injured reserve with a Lisfranc injury. In his five games, he ran for 248 yards and one touchdown. It was the first time in four years that he failed to run over 1,000 yards on a season.
According to video, he is close to being back to 100 percent after the foot injury. He has been rehabbing and is back to running with the goal to be ready by training camp. He is without a team at the moment and is currently competing against other free agents like Ahmad Bradshaw for a spot on a roster. The Packers are bringing back their former runner in order to determine his overall health and whether or not they can sign him prior to the draft.
The Packers have been speculated to be drafting a running back with possibly their first pick. They are looking for someone with Benson's hard hitting style and are considering Lacy who is this year's top back. While Lacy lacks top speed, he ran for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while helping the Crimson Tide to back-to-back National Championships. He has been slightly injury plagued, but is known for his ability to run well within the tackles and excel at blocking. He could be the perfect fit at No. 26.
If Benson proves that he really is close to becoming healthy, the Packers may decide to re-sign him to a deal and focus on other needs in the draft. If they think the injuries will continue to be an issue, they will go for his younger model in Lacy.
