Breaking down Packers’ loaded running back room for 2021

RB2 – AJ Dillon

Last year’s second-round pick A.J. Dillon was a highly scrutinized selection out of Boston College. The team already had a formidable 1-2 punch in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams – however, both were on expiring deals. The Packers chose to commit to Matt LaFleur’s vision for the offense and draft the thunder to Aaron Jones’ lightening, even if it meant sitting a year awaiting his opportunity. Fast forward to 2021, and Dillon is the unquestioned RB2 on the depth chart.

As we all know, Dillon is an athletic specimen for his size (6-foot, 250 pounds). He registered an RAS score of 9.12, and as we all know Brian Gutekunst loves players who are freak athletes at any position.

Dillon would eventually get his chance against the Tennessee Titans, where he ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns – on 21 carries.

Albeit a small sample size, Dillon also managed to average 5.3 yards per carry on 46 touches. That gives the Packers two completely different options, one a lumbering 250-pound tailback that will run you over – the other a quick-twitch back that can hit a hole and be off to the races.

This backfield has greater potential than last season, and will form a dynamic committee the Packers can lean on all season long. It’ll be fun to watch how Matt LaFleur deploys both backs when they’re on the field at the same time.

I expect Dillon to be more than just a change-of-pace back when Jones needs a breather. The Packers will likely be giving Dillon entire drives to establish a rhythm, much like we’ve seen in the past. The second-year running back should see near double-digit touches a game.

A.J. Dillon has a higher ceiling than Jamaal Williams and is in line to become a breakout player in the Packers offense.