Top 5 NFC North running backs ranked after Dalvin Cook release

4. AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers

AJ Dillon is the first of two Green Bay Packers running backs to make the top five. Spoiler alert.

Dillon has been an excellent complementary back in the Packers' offense the past two seasons, rushing for 1,573 yards and 12 touchdowns since replacing Jamaal Williams as the No. 2 running back in 2021.

He has shown an ability to lead the backfield when needed, but he enters a huge fourth year in the NFL. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Dillon needs to show more consistency this fall.

"You saw a lot of great things in spurts, but that was just the problem, it was just in spurts. It wasn't consistent, and that's what our goal is," Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans said this offseason.

Dillon is a powerful player and can dominate in short-yardage situations. Of his 14 career rushing touchdowns in Green Bay, 11 were within the opponent's 10-yard line.

He can contribute in the receiving game, too. Over the past two seasons, Dillon has made 62 catches for 519 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.4 yards per reception. It's not his biggest strength, but Dillon is a better receiver than many give him credit for.