The Green Bay Packers are set atop the running back depth chart. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will occupy those two spots as the best running back tandem in the NFL. However, an interesting training camp battle is brewing behind them.
The No. 3 spot on the running back depth chart is certainly up for grabs. Last season, the team’s plans at the position were derailed when Kylin Hill was released for something that occurred off the field. That led to Patrick Taylor being elevated to the roster, but he didn’t receive much playing time offensively.
For all intents and purposes, the Packers ran with two running backs on game day. That is something that should change this season, as the team is having an open competition for that third spot. Taylor, Tyler Goodson and rookie Lew Nichols are going to battle it out throughout training camp and the preseason games.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur revealed the unique way that the team is going to find a winner of this training camp battle. All three players are going to be used as ‘feature backs’ in each of the preseason games.
“We’ll have a featured back in each one of those games, maybe done by a half, but we haven’t gotten that far yet,” LaFleur said Thursday.
Having one back featured in the offense will enable the Packers to see what the player can do after getting into the rhythm and flow of the game. It is a good way to ensure that each player gets a fair shot at showcasing their talents to the coaching staff.
In addition to three preseason games, the Packers will have three joint practices. Any time you are lining up against another team, it is a chance to get some good film on tape. One or two of the trio isn’t going to have a future in Green Bay but could land elsewhere if they play well.
“They are all competing hard,” LaFleur said. “When you get into these preseason games, you’d like to feature a guy, to get them into a rhythm, feel what it’s like to be a starter in this league.”
Given the choppiness of preseason games, it is tough for running backs to get into the flow if they are rotating every series. The approach the Packers are taking will eliminate at least one inconsistent variable as each will get a chance to be featured as the starting lead back.
Performance in the backfield isn’t the only thing that the Packers coaches will be keeping an eye on. Whoever wins the No. 3 RB spot will also be a key contributor on special teams.
“A lot of it is going to come down to, what else do you have to offer?” LaFleur said. “Obviously there is a certain prerequisite in terms of your ability to run the football, but what are doing in pass protection, what are you doing on (special) teams, how are you catching the ball out of the backfield, all that plays into determining that third back. Usually, when you think about that third back, usually they bring some kind of value to (special) teams.”
