Green Bay Packers: 2018 Ultimate Depth Chart 1.1

Running Backs and Fullbacks (7)

Who would have thought after Eddie Lacy‘s impressive rookie season we’d be entering the 2018 season without his presence. Instead, the Packers enter with a bevy of talented, young runners. The youthful group still has much to prove, but if they play is anything like last season they should take a huge step forward. Each player is talented in their own right, although they all excel at different aspects. Don’t be surprised if the Packers coaching staff elects to go with a ‘running back by committee’ approach to start the season until a starter emerges.

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Aaron Jones was well on his way to a breakout season as a rookie in 2017 until a knee sprain sidelined him for roughly a month. In fact, some people forget he was actually the third option going into last season. He entered the game against the Chicago Bears in Week 4 after successive injuries to both Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams. It was up to Jones to fill the void and he proved more than capable.

Pros

• Good slashing ability to get upfield.
• Can break off long runs.
• Good receiver out of the backfield

Cons

• May be injury prone.
• Not very strong in pass protection.

Scale (1-10 with 1 being no chance to make the roster and 10 being a complete lock)-10 

Jones will absolutely be on the final 53-man roster.

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After Jones was sidelined with a knee sprain, it was back to the drawing board (briefly) for the coaching staff. At least, that was until Jamaal Williams broke out onto the scene. Williams was the second rookie running back to start for the Packers in 2017. Combined with Jones, the two rushers combined for over 1,000 rushing yards. After starting only seven games, Williams finished the season with 818 yards from scrimmage.

Pros

• Better in pass protection than Jones.
• Thunder to Jones’ lightining, as he has a brusiing running style.
• North and south runner

Cons

• Worry about long-term longevity.
• Not as adept as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
• Does’nt have breakaway speed

Scale-10

Williams is just as much of a lock as Jones. The Packers will allow the two to battle it out throughout the summer for the starting job.

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Ty Montgomery is an interesting case. He entered 2017 as the starting running back despite having very little experience at the position. Up until his injury in Week 4, the dynamic runner had rushed for 273 yards. He never quite got back to full health, and was an after thought when Jones and Williams showed out. It’ll be intriguing to see how the coaching staff approaches Montgomery (position wise) this offseason.

Pros

• Showed great vision for somebody who is brand new to the position.
• Very patient
• Great pass catcher and versatile.

Cons

• Not built to be a running back.
• Not great in pass-blocking

Scale-10

Although Montgomery’s position on the depth chart may be unknown, he certainly has a spot on this roster.

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Devante Mays is the third running back from the 2017 draft class. He didn’t accumulate much playing time last season – and for good reason. However, much remains unknown about Mays and it remains questionable whether he’ll get a legitmate shot this season.

Pros

• Big, strong runner.
• Patient with the ball in his hands.

Cons

• Fumbling issues.
• Needs to improve his vision.
• Not a good pass-catcher.

Scale-4

It’s likely an uphill battle for Mays, as the Packers are unlikely to keep more than three true running backs on their roster.

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/31/2018.

Joel Bouagnon is merely a placeholder and an extra body for the Packers. He went undrafted out of Northern Illinois last season and signed with the Chicago bears before going on injured reserve.

Pros

• He’s quick in and out of his cuts.
• Productive in college

Cons

• Lacks breakaway speed.
• Won’t make tacklers miss.
• Not a good pass catcher.

Scale-1

Bouagnon is merely a camp body and won’t be around very long for the Packers.

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/31/2018.

Aaron Ripkowski is a rare fullback in the NFL, but has been able to stick around with the Packers due to his versatility. He’s a. pretty good lead blocker, but can catch the ball out of the backfield, apss block and play special teams as well.

Pros

• Gets the job done while lead blocking
• Can pass protect
• Plays special teams

Cons

• Fullback is a dying breed
• Not much versatility with the ball in his hands

Scale-10

Ripkowski is tthe reason the Packers won’t keep a fourth running back, as he’s their emergency guy. His versatility ensures him a spot on the roster.

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/31/2018.

Joe Kerridge has been back and forth between the Packers’ roster and their practice squad over the last three years. He’s mostly a fullback by name, however, as his true playing time comes purely on special teams.

Pros

• Great size.
• Good special teams contributor.
• Good blocker on special teams as well.

Cons

• Not good at the traditional fullback roles-pass blocking and run blocking.

Scale-5

Kerridge is a bit of a wildcard as he’s proven his worth on special teams, but not in the offense.

*Written by Joe Kipp and Brian Sampson.