Packers: NFC North running back rankings ahead of 2022 season

The Green Bay Packers have one of the top running back duos in football with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, but where do the two rank individually in the NFC North?

There is no shortage of talent at the running back position in the division, and that will again be the case in 2022.

Do Jones and Dillon make the top five?

1. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

A Pro Bowler three years in a row, Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Cook has hit 1,000+ rushing yards in each of his consecutive Pro Bowl seasons.

Last year, Cook rushed for 1,159 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a healthy 4.7 yards per carry.

What’s more impressive is he achieved this despite missing four games in the regular season.

When healthy, Cook is among the top running backs in the NFL.

2. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

Jones continues to deliver as a focal point in the Packers’ offense.

Despite splitting carries with Dillon, Jones was highly effective on the ground last season, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt.

Jones also contributes in the receiving game. He finished fourth in receiving for the Packers.

In total yards, Jones had 1,190 and 10 touchdowns.

3. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears

Montgomery wasn’t as productive in 2021 compared to 2020, but he had another solid season for the Bears with 849 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 42 passes for 301 yards.

Chicago hasn’t done enough to improve its receiving corps, so Montgomery should get plenty of carries this season.

4. AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers

The perfect complement to Jones, Dillon saw an increased role in 2021. And he delivered, rushing 187 times for 803 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a healthy 4.3 yards per attempt.

Dillon’s power makes him a nightmare to tackle in cold weather. The Packers missed him when he got hurt in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

5. D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions

Swift split carries with former Packer Jamaal Williams last season. He was slightly more productive than Williams, rushing for 617 yards and five touchdowns at 4.1 yards per carry. He contributed plenty as a receiver, too, making 62 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns.

With over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, Swift continues to impress when healthy.