Packers: Five bold predictions for the 2018 NFL Draft

3. The Packers draft a running back

In my seven-round mock draft I predicted the Packers would draft two running backs. I still believe this is a possibility, but any running back beyond Round 6 is somebody I don’t fully expect to get many snaps, like Devante Mays, for example. I expect the Packers to take a running back earlier on day three that can get snaps this year.

The rookie tandem from last year, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, were incredible. This prediction is absolutely in no way a knock on them. And I love Ty Montgomery and still think he can be a solid running back in the right situations. I just also think a backfield can’t have enough contributors. Potential mid-round running backs in this draft are Nyheim Hines, Kalen Ballage, Joe Kelly, Royce Freeman and Akrum Wadley.

Look at the rosters in Super Bowl LII between the Eagles and Patriots. Both teams had several running backs that gave significant contributions throughout the season and in the Super Bowl. A team is going to carry four or five running backs on the roster anyway, so why not get guys that contribute at any given moment? I love the trio the Packers have, but it can be deeper and more versatile.

I mocked Ballage to the Packers because he’s a good pass catcher and has utility in the return game. Running back is quickly becoming one of the deepest positions in the entire league and the draft this year is full of mid-round guys who can make an immediate impact. The Packers hit huge on two rookies last year in the fourth and fifth rounds. There’s no reason they don’t go back to the well again to boost an already promising unit.