The Green Bay Packers should target some running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. Aaron Jones is a great back but he is more expensive and often injured. AJ Dillon was supposed to be the next man up but his struggles over the past couple of seasons have not given fans confidence that he is the long-term answer. Other backs have come and gone but no one has made an impact. We know that Green Bay was in the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes so they are clearly looking for an upgrade.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur – Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers, Running Backs, And The 2024 NFL Draft
Dillon is the wild card of how aggressive the team needs to be. For the purpose of this article, I am assuming that Dillon doesn’t have a monster second half of the season. If he does, the team will likely re-sign him to a deal and keep him. If not, the team could still look to bring him back on a cheap deal but the salary cap is tricky for the Green Bay Packers.
David Bakhtiari is a huge cap hit. Other past veterans have dead money and Rashan Gary is in line for a massive extension. Going the rookie route would provide a cheap option with some upside. The good news for the Packers is that there are a lot of options that will be available in the later rounds. Here are 3 running backs that I like for the Packers.
Wisconsin Badgers RBBraelon Allen (0) – Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
Braelon Allen Wisconsin
Allen playing at Wisconsin seems to be perfect. We have seen the popularity of a player like Aidan Hutchinson going from Michigan to the Lions explode and Allen could follow a similar arc. His big frame and freak athleticism make him great in short-yardage situations, something the Packers have struggled with over the past couple of years.
Despite his big frame, he is excellent in the passing game which fits well in the Matt Lafleur offense. The only downside is that he may be one of the first backs taken meaning that the Packers will likely have to use one of their two second-round picks on him. With so many other needs, the team may look elsewhere.
Michigan Wolverines RB Donovan Edwards (7) – Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports
Donovan Edwards Michigan
While Blake Corum gets all of the publicity on the Wolverines, Edwards is a very solid back. His speed isn’t elite but he has shown good vision and an ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. Similar to Allen, he is a great pass-catching back who does well if a team can simply get the ball in his hands.
The Green Bay Packers like versatility in their players and Edwards would be able to line up out wide and still be a threat. Underrated is his pass-blocking ability which would help and younger offensive line and quarterback Jordan Love. He might be a late day 2 pick but he could be there on day 3 which would be good value.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits RB Isaiah Davis (22) and North Dakota State Bison DE Spencer Waege (99) Chris Jones/USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah Davis South Dakota State
I had to throw one deep cut in here. One of the things that I don’t like about a lot of the running backs in this class is the size. So many of them are smaller backs which I don’t think the Packers need. Davis is another large back that can help in the short yardage situation. The team already picked Tucker Kraft out of South Dakota State so clearly they know how to scout the team.
Davis is a big back who consistently falls forward and can make something out of nothing. His blend of size and speed makes him a tantalizing prospect. This would be a great late-round pick for the Packers.
The Green Bay Packers should have a nice pick of the running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. While there are many needs on this team adding at least one back will help stabilize their backfield in the future.
