3 running backs Packers should target (and 2 they should avoid) in 2024
By Ryan Heckman
With their playoff hopes barely hanging on, the Green Bay Packers are all but ready to look forward to the 2024 offseason.
After seeing Baker Mayfield beat the brakes off their defense, the Packers once again have several questions needing answers. There are a few different positions Green Bay has clearly needed to fix, but one that we might not be talking about enough is in the back field. That's where we set our focus, looking ahead to the offseason.
The game against the Bucs was running back A.J. Dillon's first career game missed due to injury, impressively enough. But, the impending free agent shouldn't be back in Green Bay next year. The Packers need an upgrade. We'll check in on a few names to target whether it be via the draft or free agency, and then a couple of names to avoid.
First up, let's look at a target in next year's draft.
Target: Trey Benson, Florida State, 2024 NFL Draft
If the Packers want a straight-up replacement for Dillon, but a bit of an upgrade in terms of explosiveness, then look no further. Florida State running back Trey Benson would be an ideal target for Green Bay in the third round, where he'd be of sufficient value.
In this year's draft, there likely won't be a first-round running back, but instead a handful of second and third-round guys. Benson falls into that category. He's a strong-based back with a powerful lower body, able to push the pile and shed tacklers well. He's one of the best there is at forcing missed tackles in all of his class.
Over the past two seasons, Benson has rushed for 1,895 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry in the process. Best of all, he's a willing blocker in pass protection and has also shown an ability to catch the football.