Packers 53-man roster predictions 2022: Running backs

Let’s be clear. Everyone who spends time around the Green Bay Packers knows that Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are arguably the best running back duo in the league.

They each recorded at least 1,000 total yards and combined for 17 total touchdowns in 2021. They are a big reason why Green Bay has had such a balanced attack over head coach Matt LaFleur’s first three seasons at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

But which running backs behind them will make the 53-man roster ahead of Week 1? Injuries happen a lot on an NFL field, so you never know who could step up and play important snaps.

But without further delay, here are the four running backs that will make the final roster after the preseason:

Packers 53-man roster predictions: Running backs

Aaron Jones: The former UTEP star is now an NFL star. The 2020 Pro Bowl selection has over 4,000 total yards and 40 touchdowns in the last three seasons with the Packers. He is an all-purpose machine and could very well be the most talented running back the team has ever had during the Aaron Rodgers era.

AJ Dillon: They call him “Quadzilla.” You may have heard of him. The former Boston College Eagle had a breakout season in 2021 as he led the Packers in rushing with 803 yards. He is the thunder to Jones’ lightning. He is one of the toughest offensive players to tackle in the game. Look for another career year for Dillon in 2022.

Patrick Taylor: Taylor played in nine games last season for the Packers. He rushed 23 times for 89 yards and one touchdown. Of course, he was sitting behind Jones, Dillon, and even Kylin Hill for most of the season before Hill’s ACL tear.

Taylor is a bigger running back at 6-2 and weighing close to 220 lbs. If Matt LaFleur wanted Taylor to get more reps, he could comfortably put him in the mix for 3-5 snaps a game. Taylor could also be valuable on special teams with his size.

Kylin Hill: The former Mississippi State star was headed for a solid rookie year with the Packers as a backup running back before an ACL tear he suffered on a special teams derailed his season. Hill had impressed in training camp early in 2021.

He was the team’s primary kick returner and No. 3 running back in eight games last season. Once Hill returns, look for him to be more of a contributor in the backfield and on special teams too, but in more of a reserve role.

Hill had a clear role on the team last year as a rookie and the hope is that he can be somewhat of a difference-maker in 2022.