Green Bay Packers post-draft position review: Running back
A closer look at the Green Bay Packers running backs following the 2018 NFL Draft.
It’s been four years since the Green Bay Packers last had a 1,000-yard rusher. Eddie Lacy was the last man to achieve that milestone back in 2014.
But after some uncertainty at the position a couple of years ago, last year’s draft picks appear to have paid off. The Packers have plenty of young talent at the position.
Let’s take a closer look.
Aaron Jones
To me, Aaron Jones is the Packers’ best running back. He was the best fit in Green Bay’s offense when Aaron Rodgers played. The fifth-round pick produced a breakout performance against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing 19 times for 125 yards and a touchdown.
Jones is an explosive runner who is never far away from breaking out a huge run. (See: Jones’ 46-yard touchdown run against New Orleans).
Injuries were an issue for Jones during his rookie season. If he can stay healthy, I think he’s the top candidate to hit the 1,000-yard mark.
Jamaal Williams
When given an opportunity as the lead back, Jamaal Williams played well in 2017. He ran hard all season, finishing with 556 yards and four touchdowns. Not bad considering he only had double-digit carries in eight games.
Williams will need to prove he can produce at a high level while Rodgers is starting at quarterback. Williams’ finest performances came with Brett Hundley starting. The Packers leaned heavily on the run, and Williams got better with more carries.
How the carries are split between Jones and Williams will be a story to follow at training camp.
Ty Montgomery
A year ago Ty Montgomery was the lead back in Green Bay. Injuries cut his season short, opening the door for Jones and Williams to show what they can do.
When healthy, Montgomery is a key piece in the Packers’ offense. He’s the most versatile of all the backs as he can play on all three downs and is effective as a receiver. For that reason, Montgomery will take on a number of roles. While we might not see Montgomery carry the ball 10 or more times too often, he will be an important player as both a runner and receiver.
Devante Mays
Jones made the most of his opportunity last season. Devante Mays did not. The seventh-round pick fumbled his first NFL carry against the Ravens, and then fumbled again in the same game. He currently has more career fumbles (two) than rushing yards (one). This summer, Mays needs to regain Mike McCarthy’s trust.
Joel Bouagnon
Signed by the Packers in January, Joel Bouagnon will compete for a spot on the 53-man roster this summer. He will have a chance to win the No. 4 spot ahead of Mays. Bouagnon was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bears last season.
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Overall confidence
As long as the Packers stay healthy at running back, they are set at the position. Jones and Williams form a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield.
How Montgomery is used will be interesting. His versatility makes him a mismatch for defenses. If he avoids injury, McCarthy will want him on the field as often as possible.
Between the three backs, the Packers have plenty of talent to work with.