This is the next in a series of articles providing an in-depth analysis of each position group on the Green Bay Packers for 2023. Today we will analyze the running backs. The grades will be for each unit as a whole, but we will give an analysis of each player, their strengths and weaknesses and where they stand heading into the offseason. Here is the grade for the Packers running backs in 2023. The marks are based on a combination of expectations and performance.
You can see our final grade for the quarterbacks here and for the defensive line here.
The Packers run offense finished 15th in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 112.1 and 9th in the league in average yards gained per attempt with 4.3.
Final Grade for the Packers Starting Running Backs
Aaron Jones led the Packers with 656 yards rushing despite playing only 11 games this season and being limited in about half of those contests. The UTEP alum was the catalyst that helped the Packers offense take their game to another level. He averaged 4.6-yards per carry and scored two rushing touchdowns.
The offense also benefits from Jones’ receiving ability. This season, he caught 30 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown.
When Jones was healthy, the Packers were able to move the ball more effectively. Jones’ ability to change direction and use his speed to gain yardage even when the initial hole is closed makes him a standout.
Jones gained 100 or more yards in the Packers final five games and it’s not surprising the Pack won four of them. He quite simply makes the Packers offense more dangerous and effective. He also provides leadership for the team and inspires his teammates to excel.
Jones will turn 30 in December, but the Packers should find a way to keep him in 2024.
Final Grade for the Packers Primary Backup Running Backs
A.J. Dillon played in 15 games this season and started six. He gained 613 yards on 178 carries and scored two touchdowns while averaging 3.4-yards per carry. This is the third straight season Dillon’s yards gained and average yards per rush have been lower than the previous season. He also caught 22 passes for 223 yards this season.
Early in the season, Dillon was criticized for not running hard enough. He improved in that area by the middle of the year. A broken thumb caused him to miss the last two regular season games and both playoff contests.
Dillon’s strength is running between the tackles. When he’s at his best, he’s tough to bring down one-on-one. He is not particularly elusive although he can be dangerous as a receiver because he is tough for smaller defensive backs to bring down.
Dillon will be a free agent and is unlikely to be back because the Packers can replace him with a less expensive alternative.
The Other Packers Running Backs
Emanuel Wilson led the team in rushing in preseason and showed great burst. As the third running back on the depth chart, he had limited carries early in the season. He only played seven games and unfortunately, got injured in the same game Jones did which clearly cost him a chance at more playing time.
Wilson finished the season with 85 yards on 14 carries and one catch for 11 yards. He averaged a healthy 6.1-yards per rush.
The key for Wilson next season is what he does when he doesn’t have the ball. Can he pick up blitzes and pass protect? Can he become a reliable receiver? If he does those things, he could earn an expanded role next season.
Patrick Taylor is a steady contributor as a depth running back. He does pass block and receive well, and he gains the yards that are available to him although he is not dynamic as a runner. Taylor started the season on the practice squad but quickly used up his elevations and was placed on the active roster. Then he was released and signed with the Patriots practice squad before being brought back when Jones and Wilson were injured.
Taylor finished the season with 141 yards rushing on 32 carries in 11 games. He also caught 11 passes for 49 yards.
The Packers could bring Taylor back in 2024 but he would be more of an insurance policy. He would not be a player they were counting on to play a big role in the offense.
Depth at Running Back
James Robinson and Kenyan Drake each played one game for the Pack, and each had one carry. Robinson gained two yards and Drake was held to no gain. Both were let go before the season ended.
The Packers signed Ellis Merriweather to the practice squad in November. He did not see action in any games this season but did sign a futures contract and will be invited to camp in 2024.
Final Grade for the Packers 2023 Running Backs
Injuries played a big role at running back this season. When healthy, Jones was as good as ever, but he was rarely healthy until the final few games of the season. Dillon ended the season with injuries while Wilson missed time in the middle.
The run blocking struggled early in the year but improved as the season progressed which also helped boost the running backs.
This group will likely look different in 2024. GM Brian Gutekunst has to find a way to keep Jones and then draft some people to compliment him and eventually replace him in the lineup when he’s ready to retire.
FINAL GRADE: B
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