Badger running back Montee Ball made himself some money this week. At Wisconsin's pro day, where the NFL scouts come in for another look-see at a school's prospects, ball ran a 4-4-6 forty. That coming after a slow 4-6-6 at the combine, which could have cost him in the draft.
Ted Thompson also seemed to take a personal interest in Ball during the session, and with some experts listing running back as one of the Packers top needs, perhaps it's more than just a passing interest.
Here's the thing about the position. The Packers have been very productive offensively despite not having a quote, special back. You look down the list over the past few seasons, Ryan Grant, James Starks, Alex Green, DuJuan Harris, solid by and large, but not special. Cedric Benson was special at one time but he's over 30 and old for a running back.
Now the Packers can soldier on as is, and with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, remain rather productive offensively.
However, if they ever want a running game that opponents really respect, they're going to have to draft a special running back.
Keep in mind this is coming from a former offensive lineman, but in the NFL, a back can do a lot more for a line, than a line can do for him. Solid guys get what's there, special guys get that and a lot more.
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