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Packers: Ranking NFC North running backs ahead of 2021 NFL Season

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 01: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball as Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers defends during the second quarter of the game at Lambeau Field on November 01, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 01: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball as Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers defends during the second quarter of the game at Lambeau Field on November 01, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The NFC North is loaded at running back with the division sporting a trio of really good ones.

Once the season was finished, it wasn’t clear whether the Green Bay Packers would be able to retain Aaron Jones–an emerging star over the last few years. However, they were able to find enough cap space to re-sign him to a four-year deal and bring him back to be the top dog in what should be a dangerous one-two punch with second-year back A.J. Dillon.

Jones and the Packers aren’t the only ones with skills in the backfield as the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears will also have dangerous rushing attacks. How do all four teams in the NFC North stack up? Let’s take a moment to rank each team’s starter.

The Green Bay Packers aren’t the only team in the NFC North with a good running back so let’s rank the top ones in the division.

Fourth-ranked running back in NFC North: D’Andre Swift

D’Andre Swift is the odd man out in this division and is in a (bottom) tier of his own. As a rookie second-round pick in 2020, he ran for 521 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with a 4.6 yards per carry average. That wasn’t bad for a part-time player. Detroit should be handing over the reins to him in 2021 so there’s a chance he has a big season. Still, it’s very unlikely he catches or passes any of the next three guys on this list.

Third-ranked running back in NFC North: David Montgomery, Chicago Bears

David Montgomery is a low-key very good running back. He does a little bit of everything out of the Bears’ backfield even if he lacks great speed for the position. In his second professional season in 2020 he surpassed the 1000-yard rushing mark and added another 438 yards as a receiver. He’ll be a great friend to rookie quarterback Justin Fields and could see even more work in both phases of the game.

Second-ranked running back in NFC North: Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Jones has quickly ascended the ladder to become one of the better running backs in the NFL. Head coach Matt LaFleur hasn’t used him as frequently as some of the other top backs, but that’s allowed Jones to stay fresh (and, more importantly, healthy) in back-to-back seasons. Jones is dynamic and can break a long run at any time. Still, he’s not in the same tier as this next guy.

Next. Ranking NFC North quarterbacks ahead of 2021 season. dark

First ranked running back in NFC North: Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

Outside of Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook is the best running back in the NFL. He possesses a dangerous combination of speed, power, and elite vision. Despite not having consistent holes to run through thanks to the Vikings’ offensive line, he continuously puts up huge numbers as he did in 2020 when he ran for 1537 yards and 16 touchdowns–both career-highs. Entering his age 26 season, look for him to put up another huge campaign as long as he can stay healthy.

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