Are The Green Bay Packers Set To Load Up On Running Backs?

Throughout the off-season, fans have been asking how the Packers will address the running back position? With numerous options, could the backfield be made of entirely new players?

If the 2017 season were to start today, the Packers would enter play with Ty Montgomery and Aaron Ripkowski in the backfield. While this duo did an adequate job in last year’s playoff run, a super bowl contender should be more equipped at the position.

Ezekiel Elliot and Leveon Bell are two young players making league executives re-think the tendency to undervalue the position. The Packers got a first-hand experience to see how a player with Elliot’s talent can dominate a game. In a Week 10 matchup, the Dallas rookie ran for 157 yards across Lambeau Field’s turf. Throughout the game, there were plays in which Green Bay looked to have him bottled up, only to see him break off a big run.

After relying on Aaron Rodgers arm to make the playoffs, it appears Ted Thompson will add multiple running backs through the draft. After speaking to former Wisconsin running back Corey Clement, Packers beat writer Michael Cohen tweeted,

Even though the Packers are indeed thin at running back, using two of their picks at the position is a longshot. With so many needs on defense, Ted Thompson is more likely to draft two cornerbacks or outside linebackers.

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However, this all changes if the front-office doesn’t plan to resign Eddie Lacy or another free-agent. Although top options such as Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook will be off the board, Christian McCaffrey is likely to fall in the Green Bay’s draft territory. In fact, Mel Kiper had the Packers taking the former Stanford Cardinal in his first mock draft.  

However, with this year’s running back class filled with quality options, Green Bay could use their early picks on defense and find a solid player in the middle to late rounds. According to an interview conducted by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 

"“You can get a real quality back throughout the draft, even as a free agent,” said one personnel director. “There’s a ton of guys. Fourth, fifth, sixth round, you can get a very similar guy.”"

This scenario falls more in line with Ted Thompson’s philosophy and draft history. Also, as long as Aaron Rodgers is quarterbacking the team will always favor the pass. Therefore, there isn’t need to spend a first-round pick on a running back.

But, if we are to take Corey Clement at his word, there could be a major shakeup in Green Bay. Actually drafting two running backs as opposed to signing undrafted free agents means both would end up on the 53 man roster. With Ty Montgomery already a lock to make the team, this would signal that either he is moving back to receiver or the team is not planning to sign any free-agents (including Lacy).

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Given that fans are unable to gather any information from Ted Thompson’s interviews, we are left to rely on information from the draftees themselves. If the Packers are to draft two running backs, many will question Thompson’s decision to overlook defensive needs. However, maybe this is the GM’s interpretation of what Aaron Rodgers meant by “going all-in.”