Running back Jamaal Williams and tight end Robert Tonyan could be important rotational players for the Green Bay Packers’ offense this season.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hyped them both on Wednesday.
Asked about a potential breakout player for the Packers in 2020, Rodgers immediately mentioned Williams, a fourth-year running back who could have a bigger role in the passing game this season.
“Jamaal Williams came back and had a little bit something different to him this year,” Rodgers told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday. “He’s just a half-step quicker. The agility is there. The burst is a little bit more. So I give him a lot of credit for the way he grew. You know, a lot of times the big jumps come between years one and two and two and three. This guy is going into his fourth season coming off a year last year where he had multiple games in a row with touchdown catches, and is an important part of our offense.”
Like coach Matt LaFleur and running backs coach Ben Sirmans, Rodgers said he saw Williams working on his abilities as a receiver this offseason, and all the work translated to a terrific summer on the practice field.
“So I think Jamaal has had a fantastic camp and I’m excited about what he’s done. And the thing that he does as well is he just brings so much energy to our football team. So he’s going to be an important part of what we’re doing,” Rodgers said.
Many assumed Williams was going to have a reduced role this season, given the emergence of Aaron Jones as a star and the addition of second-round pick A.J. Dillon. Williams is the most well-rounded of the team’s three backs and should have a legitimate role, especially if he can be a true threat on passing downs and third down.
While Williams fights for snaps at running back, Tonyan has an opportunity to play a big role at tight end.
Rodgers called Tonyan a “multi-talented” player for the Packers and praised his improvement as a blocker, making him a more versatile player and a better fit for the position.
Rodgers said Tonyan got stronger this offseason, helping drive the improvement.
“He’s really become a good point of attack blocker,” Rodgers said. “And you pair that with a really advanced ability to run routes, I think he deserves an opportunity to get some reps and get the ball in space. I think he’s good after the catch. I think his ability to run routes, and set things up, is going to be a part of our offense that we need to tap into.”
Rodgers almost sounded like he was campaigning for Tonyan to get on the field.
“That depends on how much he plays, to be honest,” Rodgers said when asked what Tonyan can provide in 2020. “If he gets the opportunities that it seems he’s earned, I think he can add a lot to the offense. I think he’s a multi-talented guy.”
Tonyan, a converted receiver, caught 10 passes last season but dealt with a significant core injury. He is competing with Jace Sternberger and Josiah Deguara for snaps at tight end.
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