Green Bay Packers: Rookie Performance Grades
By Kenny Jilek
Day Two Picks
2nd Round Pick – RB A.J. Dillon
Sitting behind two great running backs in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon hasn’t seen many carries this season but has done well in the small-time he’s had. He’s had just 23 carries for 97 yards, an average of 4.2 yards per carry. He was one of the lone bright spots against the Buccaneers when he ran five times for 31 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
Dillon has spent the last few weeks out on the COVID-19 list, so we haven’t gotten to see him for a while. This makes his season somewhat incomplete, and it was known coming in that he wouldn’t get much time, despite the early buzz in camp around the size of his legs. One thing that has impressed this season has been his contact balance and ability to receive punishment and stay on his feet. That should serve him well, as he will probably take a bigger role in the offense next season.
Overall Grade: B-
3rd Round Pick – TE Josiah Deguara
The Green Bay Packers third-round pick could also easily get a simple incomplete on his report card. After a solid showing in the first game of the season with some eye-popping blocks and a nice 12-yard reception out of the backfield, the rookie tight end tore his ACL in game two.
I have no doubts that, had he stayed healthy, he would have been a bigger and bigger part of the scheme each week. With so many weapons going in and out with injuries, Deguara would have been a great versatile piece to plug and play wherever the Packers needed him. He’ll get that chance next year, and from what he showed in the first game and a half, he will take that opportunity and be an integral part of this offense’s success.
Overall Grade: B/Incomplete