Packers: AJ Dillon can have an impact as a receiver
AJ Dillon can help the Packers offense as a receiver.
Rookie running back AJ Dillon might not be best known for his receiving ability, but it’s absolutely an area of his game we could see more of with the Green Bay Packers.
Dillon only had 21 catches in his three seasons at Boston College for a total of 236 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite that, Dillon has been used in the receiving game at practice, and the Packers’ second-round pick believes he can help out this offense in many ways.
“Something I’ve always harped on myself is I never want to be put in just a ‘big-back’ box,” Dillon said following Thursday’s practice. “I feel like I can help out this team in any way.”
Part of the reason for his low number of receptions was due to the scheme he played in at Boston College. That won’t be the case under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, as LaFleur likes to get the running backs involved in the passing game.
As Dillon pointed out, his lack of receiving work at Boston College wasn’t due to a lack of talent.
“Having those reps, going out and catching passes, something I didn’t have the opportunity to do too much at BC. Not necessarily lack of talent, it was just what we ran,” Dillon said. “I’m getting used to it now and trying to help out the offense wherever I can.”
And all indications from training camp so far show that Dillon is absolutely right.
Tim Boyle hits AJ Dillon down the middle of the field for a big gain. Dillon’s hands have been impressive so far after not being asked to catch passes much at Boston College.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 20, 2020
If Dillon can be a factor in the passing game early in his career, the running back group can be special. And easily one of the most talented, deepest groups at the position in the NFL.
One area of concern for Dillon early on is his pass protection. According to Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV, Dillon struggled on a couple of pass-protection reps. But as Nagler notes, that’s the way it often is for young running backs. He’ll continue to improve this part of his game.
Dillon has the talent to make a big impact in LaFleur’s offense early on. But not just between the tackles. Don’t be surprised if we see him catching some passes, too.