Packers OC believes rookie RB will add 'explosive element' to offense
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd.
The Packers revamped their running back room this offseason, parting ways with Aaron Jones (Vikings) and signing former Raider Josh Jacobs.
However, it’s the first of Green Bay’s third-round picks (No. 88) from the 2024 NFL Draft that offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich believes could play a significant role in 2024.
“I would like to get [MarShawn Lloyd] out there as much as possible,” Stenavich said via Eric Edholm of NFL.com. “It’ll be nice to get him the ball in space and just see what he can do because I think he’s gonna add a good explosive element to the offense.”
Lloyd was NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah’s top-rated running back in the entire class after rushing for 820 yards and nine touchdowns at USC in 2023. He also showcased his speed, running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The biggest concern with Lloyd has been his lack of availability. He suffered injuries in each of his four years of college at both South Carolina and USC.
If Lloyd can stay healthy, he may reach the high expectations the Packers have for him, but it’s still hard to imagine him out snapping Jacobs, who was just handed a four-year, $48 million contract in free agency.
Jacobs is coming off a bit of a down season when he rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns. Green Bay likely paid him to be the All-Pro running back he was in 2022 when he rushed for a league-leading 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Stenavich acknowledged just that, defining Jacobs as a three-down back.
“Josh is a phenomenal running back,” Stenavich added. “He’s one of those guys that you can really have in the game all the time and not have to worry about anything with him.”
It’s safe to say Jacobs will be the lead back in 2024, but the sneaky addition of Lloyd could give the Packers one of the best running back duos in the league.
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