Packers 2018 offseason position review: Running backs
A closer look at the Green Bay Packers’ running backs at the start of 2018.
There’s plenty of uncertainty in Green Bay right now. This was the case in the front office prior to a number of big changes.
The same is true at various positions including wide receiver, cornerback and even tackle. But one area the Packers are set? Running back.
And it is all down to last year’s work.
Last year’s work paying off
Change was the theme in the running back room last spring.
Ted Thompson let Eddie Lacy, James Starks and Christine Michael leave the building, replacing them with rookies Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays.
The only player to survive the transition was Ty Montgomery, who began 2018 as the team’s starter.
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And the moves paid off in a big way.
Starks hasn’t been signed by another team since his departure. Michael is yet to log a regular season carry since, despite signing with the Indianapolis Colts. Lacy, meanwhile, is coming off the worst year of his career in Seattle, rushing for just 179 yards and zero touchdowns.
The trio of Montgomery, Jones and Williams, who all spent time as the Packers’ lead back, combined for 1,277 yards and 11 touchdowns this year.
The Packers needed to get younger at running back and start afresh. They did, and so far it’s worked beautifully.
Packers set at running back
Jones and Williams will likely form a 1-2 punch in the backfield next year.
Williams can be a workhorse if necessary. He’s a powerful runner who fights for yards after contact. He excels in short-yardage situations.
Jones is more explosive and has already hit a number of huge plays in his short NFL career. But he’s more than just a change-of-pace back. Jones can take double-digit carries, run effectively between the tackles and catch passes.
The Packers might have found their version of Atlanta’s excellent duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
So where does Montgomery fit in?
It doesn’t matter if he’s listed as a running back or a wide receiver, Montgomery can impact the game in a positive way. It’s unlikely he’ll take the lead back duties again, but he’ll play a role in the backfield and as a receiver in the slot.
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If this trio can stay healthy, Green Bay is set at running back.