The first round of the NFL draft was an exciting event, as a number of trades and unexpected picks went down, including with the Buffalo Bills drafting EJ Manuel 16th, but one of the biggest shocks was that for the first time in 50 years no running back was taken in the first round.
Heading into the second round one of the most popular names to come up has been Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, considered to be the best talent heading into the second round. He joins a number of other talented running backs, including Jonathan Franklin, Mike Gillislee and Montee Ball, all of whom could be drafted. Some teams that have been mentioned in connection with Lacy include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals, while the Jets could also be in the mix.
The Steelers are an interesting option, as they have had a ton of running back issues over the past two seasons and they also parted ways with Rashard Mendenhall. The team dealt with injuries all year and was left with Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman to give them a stagnant rushing attack. The team has been interested in Giants free agent Ahmad Bradshaw and after being cleared to resume all activities following an injury, the team could sign him on top of drafting Lacy, or they could go after one of the other high ranked backs if he is taken before they choose in the second round.
The Bengals could be in line to take Lacy since they are thin at the position, while the Cardinals parted ways with Beanie Wells and could be looking to add a new starter. The Cards have the number 38 pick in the second round and could be in position ahead of the other teams to select him, while the Bengals would love to add another weapon for Andy Dalton on top of Tyler Eifert, who they drafted in the first round.
