All eyes will be on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ passing game in 2020, especially after Green Bay traded up to select Jordan Love in the first round and opted not to draft a single wide receiver. However, another Aaron shouldn’t be overlooked within the Packers offense.
Running back Aaron Jones, who rushed for 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, is on the verge of breaking out as one of the best backs in the league. He’s increased his rushing numbers by at least 280 yards each year he’s been in the NFL and owns a career average of 5.0 yards per carry across three seasons.
His 16 rushing touchdowns led the league last season and in 2018, he was tops in the NFL by averaging 5.5 yards per carry. All this has led the NFLPA to include Jones on its annual “Rising Stars” list, which highlights veterans who are expected to take the next step on the field and in popularity among fans.
Packers running back @Showtyme_33 made the annual @NFLPA “Rising Stars” list identifying the “top rookies and veterans poised to have breakout seasons, gain fan support and ultimately rank among the top-sellers of all officially licensed player merchandise.” pic.twitter.com/SgJcQiXTCA
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 19, 2020
The other players in the top five are Nick Chubb, DK Metcalf, Marquise Brown and Deebo Samuel. Jones is the only representative from the NFC North and one of four running backs to make the list.
For reference, last year’s top five rising stars were Lamar Jackson, Phillip Lindsay, Davante Adams, Myles Garrett and Sony Michel. Jones isn’t going to replicate what Jackson did by going out and winning MVP, but he should still be in for another 1,000-yard season in Green Bay’s offense.