Packers 2020 Draft Grades: Analysis for every pick in each round
Round 2 (62): AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College
When this pick was first announced, it was confusing. With so many needs at other positions, why have the Packers spent a second-round pick on a running back? But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.
Firstly, the run on wide receivers was well underway. The last hope of a potential first-round talent, Baylor’s Denzel Mims, fell just a few picks before the Packers hit the clock. Maybe they could’ve traded up for Mims, but perhaps that wasn’t possible. Instead of reaching for one of the other receivers available, Gutekunst decided to help out the offense in another way.
LaFleur spoke about the need to add more running back depth. Dillon doesn’t just provide that, but he also gives this offense something it lacks. Where Aaron Jones is elusive, explosive and a home-run threat, Dillon is big, powerful and tough to tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, Dillon forced 81 rushing missed tackles, which was the third-most in college football.
It’s clear LaFleur wants this offense to run the football more. Dillon will be a nightmare matchup for many defenders, and a thunder-and-lightning combination of Dillon and Jones could give the Packers a strong ground game.
Green Bay did miss out on a wide receiver with so many selected ahead of the 62nd pick, but Gutekunst still found a way to improve the offense.