Packers need to add running back depth this offseason
The Green Bay Packers need to add depth at running back.
With Aaron Jones, the Green Bay Packers have their featured running back. Given more opportunities Jones should have no trouble hitting 1,000 yards rushing. But the Packers need to find more depth at the position this offseason.
As things stand, Green Bay is an injury or two away from disaster at running back. And with Jones only playing 12 games in each of his first two seasons, that’s a slight concern.
Jamaal Williams stepped up while Jones was injured late in the year, but he has been inconsistent. While we’ve seen some excellent performances like a 95-yard and one-touchdown game against the Jets in Week 16, Williams hasn’t been able to do this regularly enough. He’s averaging just 3.7 yards per carry after two seasons compared to Jones’ 5.5.
This isn’t to say general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to go out and sign a free agent running back like Le’Veon Bell to big money, or to use a high draft pick at the position. It’s possible to find running backs in the third round or later who can make an immediate impact.
Jones was a fifth-round selection two years ago. Alvin Kamara and James Conner have two Pro Bowl selections between them, and both were third-round picks the same year. Also in 2017 the Bears picked Tarik Cohen in the fourth round.
Jordan Howard has two 1,000-yard seasons since being selected in the fifth round in 2016. Two-time Pro Bowler Devonta Freeman was a fourth-round draft choice in 2014.
Phillip Lindsay rushed for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns this year and was named to the Pro Bowl and PFWA All-Rookie Team. He wasn’t even drafted last April.
You get my point. The Packers will be able to find talent at the running back position without needing to spend one of their early picks.
If they can find a change-of-pace back with speed and the ability to catch passes, somewhere in the middle rounds, the Packers could enter 2019 with a strong trio at running back.
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The Packers have much bigger needs at edge rusher, safety and along the offensive line this offseason, but Brian Gutekunst should make sure he adds depth at running back at some point in the draft.