Green Bay Packers: 3 Under the Radar Breakout Candidates in 2021
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers RB Patrick Taylor
Admittedly, “breakout” may not be the correct term when discussing Patrick Taylor, given that a majority of the running back snaps will be divided up between Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, like safety, that third spot on the depth chart is up for grabs, and although there may not be a ton of playing time that comes with it — AJ Dillon was on the field for 122 snaps last season — the opportunity to make an impact can still be there.
While Kylin Hill is receiving much of the attention for the RB3 role — and deservedly so — Taylor is another player who is a very good fit for the Matt LaFleur offense and is entering his second season in it. While 2020 was basically a “red-shirt” year for Taylor as he missed most of the season with an injury, he was still on the field for a few practices and in the meeting rooms–this isn’t everything by any means, but it counts for something.
Related Story. RB3 Competition is Wide Open this Summer. light
Recently, Green Bay Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans told reporters that winning this job is going to come down to trust and showing that the running back can be effective in both the passing game and in pass protection as well–not only as a ball carrier. At Memphis, in addition to averaging 5.4 yards per rush and posting a 1,114-yard season in 2018, Taylor also caught 70 percent of his 79 career targets and has some slot experience.
On top of that, he has shown that he is a willing blocker and has improved in that area over the course of his college career. Had Taylor not missed time during the 2019 season, his pass-blocking grade of 79.0 from PFF ($$) would have been the second-best among eligible college running backs.
So, Taylor is a productive ball carrier, effective in the passing game, and a willing blocker–this is the exact type of running back that LaFleur covets. As I mentioned initially, there aren’t exactly a ton of snaps up for grabs at running back, and just like with Vernon Scott, it’s going to take Taylor making that Year 2 leap. However, if he can, he has the potential to make some impact plays in this offense.