In a surprising move, the Green Bay Packers signed Aaron Jones before the start of the free agency. You would think that Jones’ signing makes the election of AJ Dillon in the second round of the 2020 project a questionable decision, however, Dillon can still expect his fair share of touches.
Jones will be ranked 1st on this year’s running depth chart. Dillon should expect to serve as the main backup, but there may be units or even games, where Dillon receives a good amount of transport.
Jones averaged 14 transports last season. It’s an easier task than other franchise runners are used to, and you’d think Jones’ stats would be a success. However, under the approach of the commission by Matt LaFleur, Jones enjoyed years of career that helped lead to his massive salary.
In 2019, Jones led the league with 19 total touchdowns, although he finished 15th in heavy trials. Last year, he posted a large number of 1,104 meters in the race and saw even fewer transports. I mean, Jones doesn’t need a lot of transportation to be efficient. The Packers offense is actually the best when everyone gets in, especially in the running game.
Because LaFleur prefers to have a stable running back, this is good news for Dillon and an important reason why his selection is not a wasted choice.
For the past three seasons, Jamaal Williams has played the lead role of Jones. Williams accumulated 347 transports, 1,429 meters in a hurry and 6 touchdowns in a hurry. As a receiver, Williams was also a nice complementary piece, totaling 97 receptions, 699 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions.
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 the 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 offensive. I saw his monster performance against the Tennessee Titans, which honestly made it possible to move from Jones if a deal couldn’t be made.
However, now that Jones and Dillon are poised to become the Packers backfield in 2021, it has the potential to be one of the best one-two shots in the NFL.
Dillon will absorb much of the touch that Williams has seen in recent years under LaFleur, who will approach 11 transports and receptions per game. Of course, Dillon could see more or less.
Williams was a great passing guard and a solid receiver, which allowed him to stay longer on the field. Dillon is somewhat unproven in these areas, but you could argue that he is better equipped to be a top ball carrier in an NFL offense.
Sunday’s news probably stung Dillon just a little, because he most likely felt like the guy moving forward.
Dillon is capable of starting, but right now, that’s not what Green Bay needs from him. Dillon can continue to learn from one of the best backs in the league and continue to better understand the offense. Dillon’s time is coming. All he has to do is stay prepared.