John

Crockett

Are and Sheldon are both undrafted rookies. Crockett, a 25-year-old out of North Dakota, spent last year on injured reserve after making two appearances for the Packers in 2015. All three face long odds of cracking the Raiders’ 53-man roster.

The focus all offseason has rightfully been on starter Eddie Lacy’s weight, but the lack of depth behind him is an important storyline as well. James Starks was re-signed in March, but the 30-year-old struggled when asked to start last year. Crockett could conceivably have a role if either Lacy or Starks falters, but it sounds like he needs to show better on special teams to ensure a roster spot. If Lacy is not able to rediscover his form, the Packers’ running game will be in trouble.

The Packers failed to address running back in the draft, leaving Crockett to battle undrafted rookies Brandon Burks and Don Jackson behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks. Crockett logged nine carries in two games for the Packers last season, spending most of the year on the practice squad.

All three will revert to injured reserve after they pass through waivers, and it is possible all three are released with injury settlements. Crockett was expected to serve as the No. 3 back behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks. Undrafted rookie Brandon Burks could now be ticketed for that role.

The Packers currently have a hole at the No. 3 running back spot and No. 2 man James Starks is entering a contract year. Combine that with the fact that Green Bay has given the most regular-season snaps in the NFL to UDFAs since 2005 and it was an easy decision for Crockett. We’d give the FCS beast a very reasonable shot at sticking on the final roster.

Crockett got beaten out by Alonzo Harris for Green Bay’s No. 3 tailback job, but could be activated later in the season if an injury hits Eddie Lacy or James Starks. Crockett is an undrafted rookie from North Dakota State.

Crockett made a back shoulder catch on a Brett Hundley screen pass before beating Geneo Grissom for the 10-yard score. The rest of his night wasn’t as impressive as Crockett averaged just 2.6 yards per carry with a long of six yards. The 23-year-old is hoping to crack the Packers’ 53-man roster after signing in May as a UDFA.

An undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State, Crockett claimed he had offers from over 20 teams. He struggled in the preseason, managing just 97 yards on 26 carries (3.7 YPC), but added seven catches for 72 yards. He’ll likely get a look on the practice squad. The Packers have also waived S Jean Fanor, C Garth Gerhart, CB Tay Glover-Wright, TE Mitchell Henry, TE Justin Perillo, C/G Andy Phillips, G Matt Rotheram, LB Joe Thomas, DT Khyri Thornton, LB James Vaughters, OT Jeremy Vujnovich, CB Ryan White and WR Ed Williams.

Crockett (6'0/217) split carries as a sophomore and junior before shredding the Missouri Valley Conference as a senior, rushing for 1,994 yards and 21 TDs on 368 carries (5.42 YPC). He caught 30 passes. More grinder than home-run threat, Crockett ran 4.62 with a pedestrian 7.15 three-cone time at the Combine. Crockett did demonstrate lower-body explosion in the vertical (40") and broad (10'5") broad jumps. Crockett disappoints as a tackle breaker on tape, but has three-down tools and is a name to file away in case he gets an opportunity.

Crockett was one of the Packers’ final cuts in training camp. With Eddie Lacy and James Starks occupying most of the carries in Green Bay’s backfield, Crockett won’t see much playing time.