Green Bay Packers post-draft position review: Running back
Reviewing the Green Bay Packers’ running backs following the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers currently have six running backs on the roster.
Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are the top two on the depth chart, but there will be competition for the other running backs to make the roster.
Following the 2019 NFL Draft, let’s take a look at the Packers’ running backs.
Currently on the roster
Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, Dexter Williams, Kapri Bibbs, Tra Carson, Malcolm Johnson
Offseason moves
The Packers made one addition at running back in the 2019 NFL Draft, selecting Dexter Williams out of Notre Dame in the sixth round.
Improved from 2018?
Yes.
Running back wasn’t a major position of need for the Packers with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams already on the roster, but by adding Dexter Williams in the draft, the Packers now have depth, and competition for the third spot on the depth chart.
Key player
Aaron Jones.
Jones will be looking to build on his league-best yards-per-carry in 2019. It’s now just a question of whether he gets a bigger percentage of the carries in Matt LaFleur’s offense, and whether he can stay healthy for all 16 games. If the answer is yes to both questions, Jones will be set for a breakout season. For the Packers to have success on the ground in 2019, Jones is the key.
Position outlook
It’s likely the Packers will want to commit to the run this year in LaFleur’s scheme, which makes the depth on the roster important. The Packers already have a talented duo with Jones and Jamaal Williams, but if Dexter Williams can also contribute as a rookie, Green Bay’s running game should rank much higher than 22nd in the NFL, which is where they finished in 2018.
As long as Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback, the Packers will be a pass-first offense, making it unlikely they have a top-10 rushing unit. That said, a top-15 finish is possible considering the talent the team now has in the backfield.
Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are both roster locks currently, which means Dexter Williams, Kapri Bibbs, Tra Carson and Malcolm Johnson will compete for the third spot.