2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting Picks 22-32

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) celebrates after a 20 yard touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)-Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Running back hasn’t been an issue for the Rams for a long time but because Steven Jackson signed with Atlanta, a running back is needed.

It’s unrealistic to expect second-year running back Daryl Richardson to carry the whole running game, because he won’t do that. Eddie Lacy won’t be able to do so either, but having Lacy and Richardson would likely make for a successful backfield. Lacy was absolutely dominant in college, as he averaged a remarkable 6.8 yards per carry over his college career.

Lacy is a power runner who knows how to shed tackles, but he also has speed. Lacy’s 40-yard dash time was 4.44 seconds, which is better than Richardson’s time of 4.47. Both runners are fast but while Richardson can break tackles, he weighs just 196 pounds and wouldn’t be used in goal-line situations. Richardson is a back who can break free and rack up lots of yards, which is what he did in 2012. Richardson broke runs of 53, 44 and 32 yards in just 96 carries.

These running backs have different styles and would make up a dominant backfield. St. Louis has the luxury of owning two first round selections, and it’s likely they use the first one to upgrade the offensive line. If they do so, the Rams will be free to find a playmaker at wide receiver or running back, and Lacy is a playmaker. Adding a talented interior lineman and a talented player at a skill position would fulfill St. Louis’ needs, and Lacy is definitely a talented player at a skill position.

And by picking Lacy, the Rams can move into contender status.