This year’s class of running backs was largely panned by analysts and the draft results reflected the sentiment. There were only four backs taken in the top 100 picks.

MarShawn Lloyd was one of them. The Packers took the USC back with the 25th pick in the third round. At 5’8″, 220 pounds, Lloyd brings a compact build with the strength to run through arm tackles, but the home run speed with a 4.46 40 to break off long gains.

That explosiveness and collection of tools could be all Lloyd needs to carve out a role in the Packers offense as a rookie. The team signed Josh Jacobs after moving on from Aaron Jones this offseason, but the battle to be the team’s second rushing option will be intriguing.

The Packers brought back AJ Dillon on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Essentially, there’s no financial reason to ensure that he has a major role.

Dillon’s production has dipped in each of his last three seasons since his best year came in 2021 with over 1,100 total yards.

In 2023, he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry with 836 total yards.

If the Packers coaching staff was really impressed with what they saw, he would have been a higher priority re-signing in free agency. Instead, they waited a while before giving him a near-minimum contract.

That says something. The fact that the Packers used a top 100 pick on another back which speaks even louder.