Green Bay Packers 2018 roster review: Aaron Ripkowski
A review of Aaron Ripkowski’s 2017 season and a preview of what’s to come for the workhorse of the Green Bay Packers offense.
The fullback position is a dying breed in the NFL. We don’t see fullbacks receiving the bulk of the carries in a team’s backfield anymore, which is a shame because the fullback is one of the hardest workers on a football team.
The Green Bay Packers have found a way to include this position in their offense even though the stat sheets don’t fill up for this man.
Gone are the days of a fullback rushing for 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns. Football, in general, has certainly transitioned away from the fullback position.
They are lucky to get the ball once a game, much less find the end zone. They are being used primarily for pass protection and making lanes for other running backs.
Following in the footsteps of former Packers fullback John Kuhn, Aaron Ripkowski has made the most of those opportunities during his young career.
Related Story: Draft - Day 2 quarterback options for the Packers
Season in review
Much like everyone else on offense, a down year was evident for Ripkowski. He didn’t reach the end zone at all after recording three touchdowns last season. The 2016 season was the best, statistically, for Rip.
During the 2017 season, especially while Brett Hundley was under center, there were more multi-back formations. In those formations Ripkowski was able to go to work, paving running lanes and protecting Hundley on play-action passes.
Looking ahead to 2018
With Aaron Rodgers back and ready to go for 2018, I expect Ripkowski to get back to his numbers he has put up. Rip has the potential to be a goal-line threat in the Green Bay offense, whether that be as a runner, receiver or blocker.
We saw John Kuhn be the main back in shotgun sets in pass protection for Rodgers during his tenure in Green Bay. I think the Packers will start to use Rip in that way too.
Along with that blocking ability, Rip can be a safe check-down option too, as he has become a reliable target in the short pass game. It will be interesting to see what roles the Packers will give him with the offense finally back to normal for 2018.
Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history
Ripkowski is under contract for the 2018 season, but he will become a free agent in 2019. If he continues to put up number similar to 2016, Rip should be a mainstay in Packers News for the years to come.