Alabama's Eddie Lacy remains confident that he's the complete package after a disappointing pro day, but he's no longer viewed as the consensus top tailback prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.
A number of teams tell Draftinsider.net's Tony Pauline that UCLA's Johnathan Franklin ranks higher than Lacy on their boards. The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers are among the teams "looking hard" at Franklin, according Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
Franklin is drawing comparisons to Frank Gore and Doug Martin as a three-down back with NFL-ready pass-protection skills and the physicality to succeed between the tackles at the NFL level.
Highly productive last season at UCLA, Franklin piled up 1,734 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns while adding 33 catches for 323 yards. He's a more complete back than Lacy.
Other draft buzz from around the league:
»Jets general manager John Idzik has "sent out word" that he's interested in trading down acquire extra picks to rebuild a shallow roster, according to ESPNNewYork.com. The Jets are believed to be "smitten" with LSU pass rusher Barkevious Mingo.
» Although NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has pegged Oregon pass rusher Dion Jordan to the Jaguars at No. 2 overall, several general managers and personnel directors have told him they expect Jacksonville to select an offensive tackle in the first round. Of course, that interest could be a smokescreen to bait tackle-needy teams into a trade.
» There is a feeling in some NFL front offices that Florida State's EJ Manuel has "leapfrogged" Matt Barkely, Mike Glennon and Ryan Nassib and could now be the second quarterback off the board, according to the National Football Post. While Manuel does have a bust factor, his physical tools leave room for a higher ceiling.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
