In a surprising move, the Green Bay Packers rehired running back Aaron Jones just before the start of the free agency. You would think that Jones’ signing makes AJ Dillon’s choice in the second round of the 2020 draft a questionable decision, however, Dillon can still expect his fair share of touches.
Jones will take first place in this year’s running back depth chart. Dillon should serve as the primary backup, but there may be drives, or even games, where Dillon gets a fair amount of loads.
Jones averaged 14 shipments last season. It’s a lighter workload than other running backs in the franchise are used to, and you’d think Jones’ statistics have suffered a blow. However, under Matt LaFleur’s running back by committee approach, Jones benefited from years of career that helped lead to his big payout.
In 2019, Jones led the league with 19 touchdowns in total, despite finishing 15th in several attempts. Last year, he recorded 1,104 run yards, the record for his career, and saw even less shipments. That is, Jones does not need many transports to be effective. The Packers’ attack is really at its best when everyone is contributing, especially in the racing game.
Because LaFleur prefers to have a stable of running backs, this is good news for Dillon and a big reason why his selection is not a lost choice.
Jamaal Williams has served as Jones’ primary reserve for the past three seasons. Williams accumulated 347 shipments, 1,429 run yards and 6 run touchdowns. As a receiver, Williams was also a beautiful complementary piece, totaling 97 receptions, 699 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
Unfortunately, when Jones signed his new contract, it was probably the end of the Williams era in Green Bay. Williams is expected to receive a solid interest in a free agency, and it makes no sense to try to solve something when Dillon is ready to take on a bigger role. .
And yes, Dillon is ready to play a much bigger role in LaFleur’s attack. We saw his monstrous performance against the Tennessee Titans, which honestly made it feasible to leave Jones if a deal could not be made.
However, now that Jones and Dillon are scheduled to head the Packers backfield in 2021, he has the potential to be one of the best strokes once or twice in the NFL.
Dillon will absorb most of the touches Williams has seen in recent years under the command of LaFleur, who will be almost 11 loads and receptions per game. Of course, Dillon could see more or less.
Williams was a tremendous pass protector and a solid receiver, which allowed him to stay on the pitch more. Dillon is not proven in these areas, but you could argue that he is better equipped to be the main carrier of the ball in an NFL attack.
Sunday’s news probably hurts a little for Dillon, since he probably felt like the guy moving forward.
Dillon is capable of being a starter, but now, that’s not what Green Bay needs from him. Dillon can continue to learn from one of the league’s best defenders and to understand the attack better. Dillon’s time is coming. All he has to do is get ready.