Green Bay Packers: What do the Scouting Reports Say About AJ Dillon?

Here is what a few draft analysts have to say in their final scouting reports about Green Bay Packers’ second-round pick, A.J. Dillon.

At pick 62 in the draft, while many were hoping that the Green Bay Packers would finally land their much-needed receiver, once again, they would go in an entirely different direction as they selected running back, A.J. Dillon from Boston College.

Now, you could argue that given the running back’s value in today’s NFL this pick was a bit too early. However, with the Green Bay  Packers looking to focus more on the run game moving forward and the fact that both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are in the final years of their rookie deals, it is easier to understand why GM Brian Gutekunst made the selection.

Dillon was an accomplished runner at Boston College where he has started since 2017 and in all three seasons he rushed for at least 1,100 yards, including over 1,500 in two of them. He’s a bruising, physical runner that is very good at breaking tackles, but he also tested very well at the combine and that athleticism shows up when he gets into the open field.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1040372604002025474

Now it’s worth pointing out that Dillon only had 21 career receptions and in LaFleur’s offense, being able to be an effective receiver out of the backfield is a must. But in a conference call after the draft, Gutey and LaFleur mentioned that they are confident that this aspect of his game will develop and that Dillon was just never asked to make plays in the passing game while in college.

When watching Dillon it’s hard not to get some Eddie Lacy vibes with his style of play and if anything, he is going to be extremely fun to watch here in Green Bay.

For a more in-depth look along with some different perspectives, here is what a few of the draft analysts have to say about Dillon’s game in their final scouting reports:

Kyle Crabbs – The Draft Network

"“AJ Dillon projects best as a gap/power rusher at the NFL level. Dillon is at his best as a deep set back who can collect momentum working into the POA and carry his burst through the hole.Asking him to slow play, press the line and read/accelerate out of a cut takes away many of his appealing qualities. In a perfect world, Dillon is a short yardage specialist and/or early down back who can churn out tough yards and keep the offense on schedule with the sticks.”"

Lance Zierlein – NFL.com

"“Built like a minibus but possessing enough vision and finesse to avoid being pigeon-holed as just a pure power back. Dillon is capable of handling heavy workloads and wearing down defenses, but there is a concern from evaluators that it’s taken a physical toll on him. He’s a disciplined runner who trusts his blocking scheme and follows his rush track.He’s a good one-cut runner with below-average wiggle but natural power to create yards after contact. Dillon will find more space as he faces fewer loaded boxes as a pro, but dropping weight and adding quickness could be the difference between a future as a committee back or starter.”"

Tony Pauline – Pro Football Network

"“Dillon was incredibly productive the three years he played at Boston College and he can handle the load with ease. He’s a throwback runner who would’ve been a very high draft pick 15 years ago, but the one-dimensionality of his game pushes Dillon into the third day of the draft. He’s a terrific short-yardage ball carrier who would fit a power-gap system for an NFL team.”"

In 2020 considering that Jones and Williams are still in Green Bay, Dillon’s role will likely be small but I anticipate LaFleur giving him a few specific duties early on, and as the season progresses, we may see his playing time begin to increase.