By the numbers -- you decide
Who am I?
You could be excused for thinking it was a profile of Chris Ivory. It is almost exactly how I would characterize Ivory's running style -- runs with attitude to finish runs and surprises those who think that he is only a power back. Even the references to injuries and fumbling are similar. Lacy is considered the consensus best RB in this year's draft based on college performance and postseason workouts, while Ivory is judged by many to be worth a late round draft pick based largely on factors other than performance on the field.
So what's the difference in the two backs? Ivory had a faster 40 time with a low of 4.42, a pro day of 4.48 and a high of 4.59. Lacy had a low of 4.52, a pro day of 4.64 and a high of 4.68. Ivory was better in the 10-yard split 1.54 to 1.65 and the 20, 2.60 to 2.65. Maybe Lacy had more explosion as measured by his vertical jump? Nope. Ivory had a 36" vertical compared to Lacy's 33.5. Agility? Ivory ran the 3-cone drill in 7.20, while Lacy turned in a 7.33. While I couldn't find broad jump numbers for Lacy, I can't imagine he would have done better than Ivory's 9'11".
Of course, combine and pro day drill numbers aren't the only factors in determining a players potential or value, but the things I have laid out paint a fairly obvious picture. Lacy certainly projects as a productive runner in the NFL and some believe he is worthy of a first round selection, though most seem to feel he is a second round back, while remaining the number one option in a weak class of backs.
So my question is why a guy like Lacy, who compares so strongly to Ivory, is worth a first or second round pick when it is all based on projections, suppositions and hope, while Ivory is only worth a late round pick? We have seen what Ivory can do in the NFL; Lacy is a projection.
I would prefer Ivory to remain on the Saints roster. But if they are going to entertain trade offers for him, IMO the Saints should get value for him and that would not be a late round pick. A third round pick is the lowest pick I would consider fair and personally I'd still rather keep him.
Who am I?
You could be excused for thinking it was a profile of Chris Ivory. It is almost exactly how I would characterize Ivory's running style -- runs with attitude to finish runs and surprises those who think that he is only a power back. Even the references to injuries and fumbling are similar. Lacy is considered the consensus best RB in this year's draft based on college performance and postseason workouts, while Ivory is judged by many to be worth a late round draft pick based largely on factors other than performance on the field.
So what's the difference in the two backs? Ivory had a faster 40 time with a low of 4.42, a pro day of 4.48 and a high of 4.59. Lacy had a low of 4.52, a pro day of 4.64 and a high of 4.68. Ivory was better in the 10-yard split 1.54 to 1.65 and the 20, 2.60 to 2.65. Maybe Lacy had more explosion as measured by his vertical jump? Nope. Ivory had a 36" vertical compared to Lacy's 33.5. Agility? Ivory ran the 3-cone drill in 7.20, while Lacy turned in a 7.33. While I couldn't find broad jump numbers for Lacy, I can't imagine he would have done better than Ivory's 9'11".
Of course, combine and pro day drill numbers aren't the only factors in determining a players potential or value, but the things I have laid out paint a fairly obvious picture. Lacy certainly projects as a productive runner in the NFL and some believe he is worthy of a first round selection, though most seem to feel he is a second round back, while remaining the number one option in a weak class of backs.
So my question is why a guy like Lacy, who compares so strongly to Ivory, is worth a first or second round pick when it is all based on projections, suppositions and hope, while Ivory is only worth a late round pick? We have seen what Ivory can do in the NFL; Lacy is a projection.
I would prefer Ivory to remain on the Saints roster. But if they are going to entertain trade offers for him, IMO the Saints should get value for him and that would not be a late round pick. A third round pick is the lowest pick I would consider fair and personally I'd still rather keep him.