Johnathan Franklin, RB Green Bay Packers Fantasy Football Rookie Spotlight
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 205 Pounds

40-Time: 4.49

Drafted: 4th Round

Scouting Report:

Similar in size and speed, I don’t hate my original scouting comparisons to Bernard Scott and Bilal Powell. But- I have to default to Franklin’s college head coach, former Seahawks and Falcons coach Jim Mora Jr. The rookie out of UCLA has Warrick Dunn written all over him, yet he’s actually bigger. The heart, the play-making ability is the comparison here. A damn respectable one.

Like Dunn, Franklin is a model citizen and any employer’s dream. All you have to do is watch one minute of our live interview with him, and you’ll find this to be true.

The Packers also drafted running back Eddie Lacy with their second round pick. A player we had rated as our #1 running back prospect this year. Green Bay had a big need at the position and GM Ted Thompson saw way too much value to pass on either of these stud rookie runners. Oddly enough- Franklin is the better system fit in Green Bay. Expect him to get a lot of touches out of the backfield as a rookie and quickly become an impact player. It’s a near certainty he will also contribute on kick returns.

Fantasy Analysis:

Johnathan Franklin is set to contribute as a flex-play right away. He’ll be more reliable than the average WR3/4 you might plug in to that spot and he’s got more upside. He’s worth a late round flier in just about every re-draft league and is a must own in all keeper and dynasty leagues. Point Per Reception formats will also boost his value. Franklin will be a great value pick for keen fantasy owners in 2013.