Packers 2020 pre-draft preview: What’s next at running back?

The Green Bay Packers should draft a running back.

The top two positions on the depth chart at running back are set for 2020, but that doesn’t mean the Green Bay Packers won’t add to the position in the draft.

Earlier this year, head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear that depth is vital at running back in his offense.

With Dexter Williams not making an impact in his rookie season, the Packers may look for more talent at the position.

Free agency recap

The Packers brought back Tyler Ervin on a one-year deal. He adds depth to the backfield although his main role will be returning kicks and punts.

Need in the draft?

Medium.

Aaron Jones is clearly the featured back in this offense after his 19-touchdown 2019 season. But Jones, and Jamaal Williams, are set to become unrestricted free agents following the season. There should be some long-term consideration here by the Packers as re-signing them both might not be possible.

Just looking at the 2020 season, the need for depth is also there.

Draft outlook

It would be a surprise if the Packers drafted a running back in the early rounds, and they don’t need to. There will be plenty of opportunities to add depth on Day 3.

While nothing can be ruled out, of course, it would seem unlikely Green Bay will go after one of the top running backs in the class like Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor or Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins. But who knows? If one of the two prospects falls far enough, Brian Gutekunst might love the value and select one of them.

Gutekunst should look to add a running back at some point in the draft, and ideally a little earlier than the sixth round like last year.

But it’s also not a major concern entering the draft and it’s not one of Green Bay’s top positions of need.