After drafting a running back and three offensive linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers clearly demonstrated they would like to run the ball more during the upcoming season. Running the ball effectively is easier to do with talented running backs. Luckily for the Packers, they happen to have a number of capable backs on their roster.
Packers Wire predicts Green Bay’s depth chart at running back for the 2020 season:
RB1: Aaron Jones
Coming off the best year of his career, Jones isn’t going to lose his spot as the go-to running back for the Packers for the 2020 season. During his third year in Green Bay, Jones rushed for 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also stepped up his production in the receiving department, catching 49 passes for 474 yards. The Packers’ lack of depth at wide receiver means Jones will return to Green Bay with extra responsibility in the running and passing games.
RB2: Jamaal Williams
While the spotlight was on Jones during the 2019 campaign, Williams quietly made his mark whenever he was on the field. The fourth-round pick out of BYU rushed for 460 yards and one touchdown and finished with a career-high five receiving touchdowns during his third season in the NFL. After the Packers drafted A.J. Dillon in the second round, Williams may seem like the odd man out, but the 25-year-old can still provide the Packers’ offense with value, as a runner, receiver and blocker, and he’s a willing participant on special teams. Heading into a contract year, Williams will have a lot of motivation to perform at a high level and either extend his stay in Green Bay or find a role elsewhere.
RB3: A.J. Dillon
Dillion was one of the best running backs in college football over the last three years. He rushed for 4,382 yards and 38 touchdowns during a record-breaking career at Boston College. Measuring in at 6-0 and 247 pounds, Dillion is a bruising back who is not very friendly to opposing defensive players. It is not out of the realm of possibility for Dillion to steal the No. 2 running back spot from Jamaal Williams at some point in 2020, especially if he proves capable as both a between-the-tackles runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield. However, until he gains some more experience, the former BC star should start his career as the third-string running back on the Packers’ depth chart.
RB4: Tyler Ervin
Ervin may not get many snaps at running back on offense, but he will be penciled in as the primary return man for the Packers in 2020. The former Houston Texan proved to be effective on special teams for Green Bay in the 2019 campaign. Ervin returned 11 punts and six kicks for 266 yards in his first season as a Packer. Despite likely earning limited reps on offense, Ervin should still make Green Bay’s 53 man roster as a returner.
RB5: Dexter Williams
After only playing ten snaps on offense during his rookie season, Williams will return to Green Bay in 2020 with the hope of making the Packers’ 53-man roster. In his second year in the NFL, the Orlando native will be more experienced in the offense and have a better idea of what is expected of him. With Williams, a lack of talent doesn’t seem to be an issue. However, he was not able to earn the trust of teammates and coaches as a rookie and found himself buried behind the two veterans, unable to get onto the field. If he becomes more reliable and consistent in his sophomore season, then the former Notre Dame back could earn meaningful playing time. Until then, he will find himself squarely on the roster bubble.
RB6: Damarea Crockett
Crockett spent most of his rookie season on the Packers’ practice squad. Barring injury, that will likely be where he finds himself in 2020. Crockett had a great college career at Missouri, appearing in 29 games and accumulating 2,252 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns over three seasons. Crocket will likely have a difficult time beating out the players ahead of him on the depth chart.
RB7: Patrick Taylor
Taylor is one of the greatest running backs in Memphis history. He finished top-five all-time in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, carries, and all-purpose yards. If it wasn’t for an injury in the first game of his senior season, Taylor would have likely been selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Instead, he was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Packers. Considering the depth ahead of him, Taylor will look to challenge for a spot on Green Bay’s practice squad in his rookie season.
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