With one of their third-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected USC running back MarShawn Lloyd. Lloyd could be an immediate contributor to a revamped Packers backfield that moved on from Aaron Jones earlier this offseason.
Jones was released shortly after the team agreed to a deal with Las Vegas Raiders star running back, Josh Jacobs, in free agency. AJ Dillon was also re-signed, giving the Green Bay Packers a versatile, dynamic trio to rely on in the backfield.
Jacobs is expected to lead the way after agreeing to a big multi-year deal, but Dillon and Lloyd will be involved. For the last few years, a two-headed attack at running back has been used, but that could be changing in 2024.
According to offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, Lloyd is going to be a big part of the game plan. The Green Bay Packers are planning to get him on the field early and often, as they think he can help elevate the unit.
“I would like to get him out there as much as possible,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “He’s got a skill set that’s a little bit different than AJ’s as far as his speed. He’s not quite the bruiser that (Dillon) is obviously, but he’s got a different type of skill set. So it’ll be nice to get him the ball in space and just see what he can do. I think he’s gonna add a good explosive element to the offense, for sure.”
Despite limited reps in the passing game while at USC, Lloyd and the Packers are confident that he can make an immediate impact in that area. He averaged an eye-popping 17.8 yards per reception last season, which is elite for a wide receiver and unheard of for a running back.
A big reason for that impressive statistic is the raw speed he possesses. That is something the Green Bay Packers are going to look to take advantage of.
“I liked his speed,” added Stenavich. “I liked his speed a lot. He had some good runs in OTAs where you saw his burst. He’s got good vision. So I’m really excited about that out of the backfield.”
With Jones no longer in the mix, a gamebreaking, big-play threat is needed and MarShawn Lloyd can be that player. He could have an immediate role with the team as their third-down and passing game back if he can hold up in pass protection.
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