In a surprise move, Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Jones started again just before the free agency. You would think that the signing of Jones makes the choice of AJ Dillon in the second round of the 2020 draft a dubious decision, but Dillon can still expect a good deal of the expectations.
Jones will be ranked first on the running depth scoresheet this year. Dillon can expect to serve as primary backup, but there may be drives, or even games, where Dillon gets a good amount of transportation.
Jones averaged 14 runs last season. It’s a lighter workload than other franchise backs are used to, and you would think Jones’ stats would get a hit. However, following Matt LaFleur’s feedback through the committee approach, Jones has benefited from career years leading up to his massive payday.
In 2019, Jones led the league with a total of 19 touchdowns despite being 15th in rushing attempts. Last year, he posted a career high of 1104 running yards and saw even less transportation. Meaning, Jones does not need to carry a ton to be effective. The Attack of the Packers is actually at its best when everyone is playing, especially in the game.
Because LaFleur prefers to have a running backlog, this is good news for Dillon and a big reason why his choice is not a lost choice.
Jamaal Williams has served as Jones’ leading backup for the last three seasons. Williams collected 347 trucks, 1429 hurried yards and 6 hurried interfaces. As a recipient, Williams was also a beautiful complementary piece, with a total of 97 receptions, 699 receptions and six receptions.
Unfortunately, when Jones signed his new contract, it was probably the end of the Williams era in Green Bay. Williams is expected to have a solid interest in the free agency, and it does not make sense to try to work something out when Dillon is ready to take on a bigger role.
And yes, Dillon is ready to play a much bigger role in LaFleur’s offense. We saw his monster action against the Tennessee Titans, which honestly made it feasible to move away from Jones if a deal could not be made.
However, now that Jones and Dillon have to man the Packers backfield in 2021, it could be one of the best one-two strokes in the NFL.
Dillon will absorb much of the touch Williams has seen under LaFleur in recent years, which will approach 11 games and reception per game. Of course, Dillon could see more or less.
Williams was a tremendous pass guard and a solid receiver, enabling him to stay more on the field. Dillon is somewhat unproven in these areas, but you could argue that he is better equipped to be a primary ball carrier in an NFL offense.
Sunday’s news probably stings Dillon just a little bit, as he probably feels like the man moving forward.
Dillon may be an appetizer, 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 still better understand the offense. Dillon’s time is coming. All he has to do is stay ready.