Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube, a change of pace option in the 2024 draft.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
With AJ Dillon set to hit the open market and Aaron Jones entering the final year of his contract, the Green Bay Packers will need to add a running back or two in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A player that the Packers could target on Day 3 of the upcoming draft is Dylan Laube. The University of New Hampshire running back checks in at No. 91 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Laube took a redshirt in 2018 at New Hampshire. The following season he showcased his receiving ability, catching 28 receptions for 412 yards and four touchdowns. The New York native added one rushing touchdown.
In 2021, Laube rushed for 501 yards and four touchdowns, while adding a receiving touchdown. The following season Laube enjoyed a breakout campaign, recording 1,205 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He added 49 receptions for 464 yards and two touchdowns.
This past season, Laube hauled in 68 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground, he churned out 749 yards and nine touchdowns.
“Dylan was a great leader for us this fall as a captain,” New Hampshire’s running backs coach Thomas Herion said. “From an offensive perspective, we found different ways to get him the ball other than at running back. We would use his athleticism in the slot, which he showcased against Central Michigan putting up an NCAA RB Record of 295 receiving yards. It was hard for linebackers to match him out of the backfield. We also used him in the return game which helped him average over 200 all-purpose yards per game, which led all of college football. He is a coach’s dream from a performance, leadership, and work ethic standpoint.”
Laube is maybe one of the best pass-catching running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. He finished his career with 171 receptions for 1,791 yards and 14 touchdowns. The New York native has natural hands and runs routes like a wide receiver. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he’s shifty and can create chunk plays. According to Pro Football Focus, Laube racked up 701 yards after the catch.
“He was great out of the backfield for us this past season and his entire career,” Herion said. “This year we played him more in the slot than usual due to the matchup advantage it gave us on linebackers. He has natural ball skills and creates separation vs man. He has a great feel for where the holes in zone defense are and has a great understanding of how to play off leverage. Leading our team in receiving this season and sixth in the conference was a great testament to his potential at that position.”
On top of being a mismatch piece out of the backfield, Laube showed steady improvement in the pass-blocking department during his time at New Hampshire.
“It’s something that was completely foreign to him when he first got to the University of New Hampshire due to his high school offense running the Wing T,” Herion said. “He continued to work at it during his career here and turned it into a massive strength for him these past couple of years. He knew it was something he had to excel at to play at the next level and worked tirelessly in the offseason to improve.”
Laube runs with good patience and tempo. He has good vision and once he sees an opening he shows good burst, using quick steps, and cuts to get through the hole.
“I think his vision is elite and is a big reason for his success at the college level,” Herion said. “He has a great feel for zone runs and his tempo is something he really used to his advantage this past season. He naturally just does a lot of things you can’t teach and will help him to succeed at the next level.”
Laube finished his career with two kick return touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns. He was named the Coastal Athletic Association’s Special Teams Player of the Year this season after averaging 11.3 yards per punt return with a touchdown. As a kick returner, he averaged 31.1 yards per return and added a return touchdown.
“He excels best when he has the ball in space, which is why he had a great college career in the return game,” Herion said. “He had a return for a touchdown in the punt game and kickoff game this year. It’s something he has always done well for us and something I could see him excelling at in the NFL. He was awarded the Special Teams Player of the Year in the conference.”
Fit with the Packers
The days of a workhorse running back are nearing extinction. Laube would be the perfect change of pace running back for any team looking to add a Danny Woodhead or Edgar Bennett-type back.
How can the Packers extend the career of Jones? By adding young weapons to help alleviate the pressure and workload for the dynamic back who is getting ready to tee off on the back nine of his career.
Laube could eat up five or so carries a game while adding another dimension to Green Bay’s young and upcoming aerial attack. On top of everything he would bring to the offense, Laube would bring value on special teams as a kick and punt returner.
“Other than him being an unbelievable player with as much position flexibility as anyone in the country, he is an incredible teammate, leader, and person,” Herion said. “He was a great captain for us this season vocally and by example. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve been around and brought people along with him. You’d be getting a hard-nosed kid who just wants to play football. We’re excited for his professional career.”
