It’s The Year Of The Running Back

Note: The NFL Draft begins April 24 and the Green Bay Packers have the 23rd pick in the first round. Between now and then, I’ll examine Green Bay’s current situation at each position and how likely the Packers are to take a player for that group.

PART 3: RUNNING BACK

PACKERS DEPTH CHART

Green Bay has a solid stable of backs, led by Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs.

Jacobs finished sixth in the NFL in rushing yards last season (1,329), averaged 4.4 yards per carry and had 16 total touchdowns (15 rushing). The Packers also finished fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (146.8).

Green Bay ran the ball on 52.3% of its plays last season — the first time the Packers ran the ball more than they threw it since 2003 (51.7%). After beefing up the offensive line, Green Bay could run the ball even more in 2025, meaning depth will be critical.

Emanuel Wilson (502 yards, 4.9 per carry) had a solid season as the Packers’ No. 2 back. Chris Brooks (183, 5.1) also played well after signing with Green Bay on Sept. 3.

The wild card is second-year man Marshawn Lloyd, who was taken in the third round of the 2024 draft. Lloyd played in just one game and had only six carries last season, though, after spending most of the year on injured reserve with an ankle injury and an appendicitis.

OVERALL NEED (scale of 10): 2.5

It’s the year of the running back, as perhaps 10 backs could go in the first three rounds. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton lead the way, while Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson and the Ohio State duo of Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins could all go by the end of Round 2.

It’s often been said the best time to draft a player is when you don’t need one inside that positional group — and the Packers could take that approach here.

Green Bay’s running backs are one of the top positional groups on the team. But the draft is deep with gifted backs, so don’t be shocked if the Packers add one to the mix on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7).

THEY SAID IT

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on the running back position: “It’s always been an incredibly important position on the field. They touch the ball as much as or more than any other player you’re going to have. I think if there’s some trends, we were talking about the change, is their ability in the passing game now is first and foremost. They’ve got to be able to function in the passing game. If you have a guy that can do both, it’s very valuable.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Green Bay’s rushing attack: “I know we were pretty good last year. You know, you try to avoid the comparisons on a year-to-year basis, but I’m excited. … It’s going to take a lot of work, that’s the bottom line.”

Gutekunst on if the league is becoming more run-centric: “I think it is, but I also think we need to be the kind of football that can do what we need to do whenever we want whether that’s running the ball, throwing the ball. It wasn’t something where we say, hey, we sought out just to be a run-first team.”

POSSIBLE PACKERS?

Green Bay has pressing needs at wide receiver, defensive end and cornerback. So taking a running back in the first three rounds is highly unlikely.

But don’t be shocked if Gutekunst adds a running back later in the draft. Here are five likely mid-round picks the Packers might consider selecting.

• Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech, (5-9, 206) — Fastest back in the draft. Similar build to former Packer Aaron Jones. Began career at North Carolina A&T. Ran for 2,022 and had 25 touchdowns during his two seasons at Virginia Tech. Also had 50 receptions for 320 yards and four TDs with the Hokies. Projection: Rounds 3-4.

• Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (5-10, 219) — Remarkably physical and competitive back who helped the Sun Devils reach the College Football Playoffs last year. Ran for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Ran a pedestrian 4.65 40-yard dash at his private workout. Projection: Round 3-4

• Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (5-8, 199) — Was the SEC’s Player if the Year in 2024 after leading the league and setting a school record with 1,491 rushing yards. Solid pass catcher who adds third down value. Still just 20 years old. Projection: Round 4.

• R.J. Harvey, Central Florida (5-8, 205) — Third-team All-American after rushing for 1,577 yards, third most in the FBS. Also had 22 rushing touchdowns last year and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Solid 40-yard dash time (4.40). Compact and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Projection: Round 5.

• Damien Martinez, Miami (Fla.) (6-0, 217) — Began career at Oregon State, then ran for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns with Miami in 2024. Compact, powerful back compared by many scouts to A.J. Dillon. Battering ram with deceptive speed (4.51), but struggles catching the ball. Projection: Round 5

Previous Stories

Part 1 — Quarterbacks

Part 2 — Wide Receivers