The 247-pound Dillon is a punishing runner who has surprising speed and gets stronger as the game goes on. “Any running back would want that.”ĭillon led the Packers with 803 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns a year ago. “I hope so,” Dillon said of getting more carries in 2022. And now, more than ever, LaFleur figures to lean heavier on that dynamic duo. Green Bay does have one of the NFL’s elite 1-2 punches with Aaron Jones and A.J. That number drops to 38.5% when you eliminate quarterback runs - plays that certainly weren’t called by LaFleur. The Packers have run just 42% of the time since LaFleur took over. With so much uncertainty at the wideout position, expect Green Bay to run the ball more than ever under fourth-year coach Matt LaFleur. That certainly seems fair, considering the Packers’ wide receiver room consists of three rookies and several veterans with major question marks.
Pro Football Focus recently rated Green Bay’s wide receiver group No. “Just nasty,” Alexander said of Green Bay’s defense.
And instead of having to outscore people - like many Green Bay teams have been forced to do the last 11 seasons - these Packers will be equipped to win their share of rock fights. If things go as planned, this defense should finish in the top-five for the first time since that 2010 Super Bowl team. In 1993, they reached the divisional playoffs. In both 19, the Packers won the Super Bowl. Since Brett Favre’s arrival reversed a generation of losing football back in 1992, Green Bay has had a top-five defense just five times. This team, they haven’t even really had a first practice yet. “I just think our ability to cover ground, our ability to take away passing lanes, to rush the passer, affect the passer … again, we’ve got a long ways to go. So the depth there maybe is a little better than we’ve had in the past, and then the speed. “I think we’re going to be able to wave some defensive line players in that maybe we haven’t had in the past, which is going to keep some guys fresher. “I’m really excited about that front seven, just the speed we have now,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said. 22 overall and defensive end Devonte Wyatt at No. Green Bay also used its two first round draft picks to select a pair of Georgia standouts - linebacker Quay Walker at No. And safety Adrian Amos is as steady as they come. The secondary has a dynamic cornerback trio of Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes. And inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell was named first-team All-Pro in 2021. Rashan Gary and Preston Smith form a terrific pair of outside linebackers. Green Bay lost RT Billy Turner to Denver but will hope to get healthier seasons from OTs David Bakhtiara and Elgton Jenkins, who missed a combined 25 games last year with knee issues.Clark, a two-time Pro Bowler, is just 26 and in the prime of what’s becoming a brilliant career. 2021 3rd-rounder Amari Rodgers will push Cobb for slot snaps. Cobb turns 32 in August but has 9 seasons of experience with Rodgers and the Packers. But he’s been efficient, averaging 9.1 yards per target over the past 3 seasons. Lazard’s 513 yards last year marked a career high. The losses of Adams and Valdes-Scantling creates opportunity for returnees Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Now 29, Watkins isn’t a good bet to make a big impact in Green Bay. Watkins will be playing for his 3rd team in 3 seasons after flaming out with a 37-421-2 line in Kansas City in 2020 and a 27-394-1 in Baltimore last year. He doesn’t have Watson’s upside but might be more NFL-ready. He has a big jump to make coming from FCS-level North Dakota State.ĭoubs was a 4-year starter at Nevada and posted an 80-1,109-11 line this past season. Watson is a freak athlete – 6’4, 208 pounds with 4.3 speed and a 38.5-inch vertical – but he’s a raw route runner with inconsistent hands. Arriving are 2nd-round rookie Christian Watson, 4th-round rookie Romeo Doubs and veteran Sammy Watkins.
The Packers also lost WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the Chiefs in free agency. He accounted for 34% of Green Bay’s receiving yards and 28% of the receiving TDs this past year. Adams leads the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs over the last 4 seasons. The Packers shipped WR Davante Adams to Las Vegas in March for 1st- and 2nd-round picks. QB Aaron Rodgers is back for another season – but he’ll be without his top target.