Green Bay Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon caught only 21 passes during his three seasons at Boston College, but everyone in the Packers organization believes Dillon could be an underrated weapon in the passing game.
His rushing production (4,382 yards, 38 touchdowns), size (247 pounds) and athleticism (4.53, 41″ vertical) are all clear to see. He could be a big, bruising runner in the Eddie Lacy mold at the next level. What isn’t as easy to project is Dillon’s three-down impact as a receiver, a vital part of adding true value for a running back in today’s NFL.
Dillon caught 13 passes during his final season at Boston College and finished with only 21 total catches in 35 games, but the Packers think he has far more to offer.
“In our offense, there’s probably more room for his creativity than what he did at Boston College, and a lot more in the passing game,” Gutekunst said during a conference call with reporters on Friday night. “As we went through the process in the spring, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield for a man his size was something – again, he didn’t do a lot of it at Boston College – but it was attractive to us.”
College scout Mike Owen said he saw Dillon showcasing his hidden receiving abilities during practices.
“What surprised me is, you might not see it much during games, but you go to practice and you see him running routes and see him catching the football. And he’s got real good hands,” Owen said. “His receiving game is actually further along than you might believe. That’s just an added element to his game. He does have pass-catching ability.”
The Packers said they were impressed with the way Dillon caught the football and ran routes at the combine, giving them added confidence that he could contribute in the passing game at the next level.
The Boston College offense, which ran through Dillon’s ability to plow through stacked boxes in the run game, just didn’t provide many opportunities to catch the ball as a receiver. He did make the most of his limited chances, turning 13 catches into 195 yards in 2019.
The Packers – who had Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams catch 88 total passes and score eight receiving touchdowns last season – can maximize the value of a second-round running back by getting him involved in the passing game.
“He’s really an all-around back,” Gutekunst said. “While he was not used in the passing game a ton at Boston College, it’s not because he’s not capable, it’s just kind of their offense. I think he’ll bring that to the table, and you’ll see more of that in his pro career.”
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