Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is going to have some new weapons to use coming out of the backfield in 2024. Not only did the team make a splash signing in free agency with Josh Jacobs, but they also used a third-round pick on MarShawn Lloyd out of USC.
Jacobs will almost assuredly be the leader in the backfield in 2024, as the Packers paid him handsomely in free agency. But, expect MarShawn Lloyd to push for reps behind him, competing with AJ Dillon.
Some Green Bay fans are disappointed that Aaron Jones is no longer on the team. It hurts even more that he signed with their rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. But, they could see some similarities between him and their rookie running back, especially on passing downs.
While MarShawn Lloyd wasn’t involved heavily in the passing game with the Trojans, it is part of his skill set he believes will have the biggest impact on the Packers. It is something that Matt LaFleur is excited to see as well.
“He definitely can be a weapon out of the backfield,” said LaFleur. “I love all the measurables. He’s a 220-pound back that runs 4.4 and can run routes out of the backfield. I think he could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.”
The Green Bay Packers had similarly high hopes for Dillon when he came out of Boston College. They believed he could develop into a weapon in the passing game, similar to what they hoped for from Lloyd.
There is one stark difference between the two. MarShawn Lloyd brings incredible explosiveness, as he is a true game breaker out of the backfield. In 2023 with USC, Lloyd had only 13 receptions, but he averaged 17.8 yards per reception.
That is an elite number for a wide receiver and unheard of for a running back. Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers have used a two-man attack in the backfield in recent seasons, but that could change in 2023.
It will be hard to keep that kind of playmaker off the field. MarShawn Lloyd should be able to carve out a role, as third-down work is up for grabs if he can show development in other areas, such as pass blocking.
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