With training camp scheduled to open in late July, Packers Wire will be spending the next month attempting to predict how Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers will construct their initial 53-man roster entering the 2020 season.
Up next is running backs, where the Packers have a new, bruising rookie and big decisions to make after 2020:
Players
Aaron Jones
Jamaal Williams
Dexter Williams
Tyler Ervin
Damarea Crockett
A.J. Dillon (rookie)
Patrick Taylor (rookie)
Elijah Wellman (FB)
Jordan Jones (FB, rookie)
Number kept to start 2019
Four. The Packers hung onto rookie Dexter Williams behind veterans Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams and kept Danny Vitale as the one and only fullback on the roster.
Roster prediction (4)
1. Aaron Jones: He’s one of the NFL’s young star running backs and will be a centerpiece of Matt LaFleur’s offense for another season. The bigger question is what happens after 2020. Jones is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. He wants to stay, and the Packers should want him to stay, but the total cost and value assessment will determine his future.
2. Jamaal Williams: The Packers used a second-round pick on A.J. Dillon, and Williams’ salary inflates to over $2 million in 2020, but it’s difficult to imagine the Packers getting rid of such a useful and versatile player, and the trade market for a backup running back with an expiring deal should be close to non-existent. LaFleur wants a bunch of backs who can handle snaps. Williams can, and he should return as the No. 2, providing quality snaps as a runner, receiver and blocker.
3. A.J. Dillon: Rookie running backs don’t face a difficult transition, so it’s likely Dillon will play a role at some point in 2020. It’s easy to see him being a short-yardage and late-season hammer behind the two veterans. It’s just as easy to see him taking on a major role once Jones or Williams or both depart in free agency next spring.
4. Tyler Ervin: Ervin should be safe due to his value as a kick and punt returner and versatility and explosiveness on offense. He rejuvenated the return units to finish 2019 and LaFleur liked using him as a gadget-type player on offense. Ervin can catch and create on his own.
Cut (5)
1. Dexter Williams: He found himself in LaFleur’s doghouse during camp, and there was a sense the team never really trusted him to play as a rookie. With Dillon in Green Bay, Williams’ roster spot is in big trouble. He’s talented, but he needs to show massive improvement.
2. Damarea Crockett: He’ll play snaps during the preseason and provide the Packers with a capable option to stash on the practice squad, if necessary.
3. Patrick Taylor: The undrafted rookie is intriguing. He produced at a high level for Memphis before injuries hit. A strong summer could make Taylor a fringe roster player or a practice squad candidate.
4. Elijah Wellman: Does the Packers offense need a real fullback? The guess here is that Matt LaFleur would prefer another tight end on the roster over a fullback.
5. Jordan Jones: Could he provide some receiving ability from the fullback position? If the Packers see it during camp, he could be an ideal practice squad option.
Updating roster prediction
QB (3): Aaron Rodgers, Tim Boyle, Jordan Love
RB (4): Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon, Tyler Ervin
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