Packers: 5 potential replacements for Aaron Jones in 2021

4. Michael Carter

Another running back the Packers could target in the draft is Michael Carter out of North Carolina. Carter is being projected to go in the third round in many mock drafts, so the Packers would still need to use an early draft pick.

Carter shares some of the same qualities as Aaron Jones. He’s elusive, explosive, and makes defenders miss tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Carter has 32 runs of 10-plus yards after contact since 2019.

When looking for a perfect complement to AJ Dillon in the backfield, Carter could be a great choice.

Carter is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at North Carolina. Like Jones, he can also contribute in the receiving game. This past season, Carter finished with 1,245 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, as well as 267 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

A Dillon-Carter backfield could be a lot of fun to watch, especially in Matt LaFleur’s system.

Carter is among the best running backs in the class so the Packers would need to be willing to use a Day 2 pick, but unlike Travis Etienne, they could likely wait until the third round. Some fans might not like the idea of the Packers using a Day 2 selection at running back again, but there’s no doubt Carter could be a great addition to Green Bay’s offense.