Green Bay Packers 2018 roster preview: Aaron Jones

Looking ahead to Aaron Jones’ second season with the Green Bay Packers. The talented running back has breakout potential this year.

The Green Bay Packers have a tough decision to make at running back.

Which of their three top running backs — Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery — should take on a featured role? Will head coach Mike McCarthy take more of a committee approach and evenly split the carries?

Of the three backs, Jones is my pick to lead the backfield.

2017 stats

As a rookie, Jones had 81 carries for 448 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. He finished second on the team in carries and rushing yards, and was tied with Williams for first in rushing touchdowns.

2017 review

It may have only been a small sample size, but Jones looked like a star at times during the 2017 season. He effectively only played four games for the Packers, as he only had more than five carries in four games all year.

In those four games, from Weeks 4-7, Jones had 62 carries for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He had two 100-yard performances against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.

Before getting hurt, Jones showed he has the tools to lead the Packers’ backfield.

Odds of making roster: 100 percent

All three of the Packers’ top three backs will make the 53-man roster. Will the Packers decide to keep a fourth back? Second-year Devante Mays didn’t play well when given an opportunity last year, but a strong summer could secure him a spot on the roster as the fourth RB on the depth chart.

2018 preview

It’s going to be interesting to see how Mike McCarthy uses his three running backs.

Jamaal Williams is a powerful runner who wears down defenses and gets better as the game goes on. He also showed he can be effective as a receiver and in pass protection. But is Williams better suited for a run-first offense?

Ty Montgomery can run between-the-tackles or catch passes, but has been unable to stay healthy throughout his career.

Jones, too, had some injury concerns in 2018, but I think he is best suited to become the Packers’ No. 1 running back. He is an explosive runner with big-play potential, as we saw time and again last season.

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If Jones can stay healthy, the sky is the limit.