A RB? Green Bay Packers Meet Virtually w/ Isaiah Spiller

The Green Bay Packers have arguably the best running back duo in football in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, but they’re still doing their pre-draft due diligence, having met with one of the top running backs in this draft class.

According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Green Bay Packers have met virtually with Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller.

I imagine if the Packers spent a top-100 pick on the running back position, most would be left scratching their heads, similar to when Green Bay took Dillon.

However, the draft is about planning ahead, and the Packers can create cap space in 2023 by moving on from Jones. On top of that, we don’t know when Kylin Hill will return from his injury, and perhaps Green Bay wants to find an upgrade for Patrick Taylor—although, as I’ve discussed before, I think Taylor is a terrific fit for Matt LaFleur’s offense.

With all that said, I’d be quite surprised if the Packers spent an early-round pick on Spiller or any running back, but above, I am trying to find reasons why they would consider it. On the other hand, a Day 3 selection wouldn’t surprise me all that much.

Spiller measured in at the combine at 6’0” – 217 pounds and posted a RAS of 5.6—which is a bit below what the Packers typically target. This included a 30” vertical, 9’06” on the broad jump, and a 4.64-second 40-yard dash.

Spiller was a productive runner for the Aggies, totaling 880 rushing yards in 2019, 982 yards in 2020, and 1,016 yards this past season. Spiller has also averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his career with 22 rushing touchdowns—although it’s worth noting he also has six career fumbles as well.

Spiller was also one of the nation’s more dynamic ball carriers in 2021, finishing 17th in total runs of 10 or more yards and 11th in designed runs of 15+ yards per PFF ($$).

In the passing game, Spiller was also active, with 90 career targets, catching 68 of them at 8.4 yards per catch, along with another touchdown. Most of Spiller’s production has come out of the backfield rather than from the slot or out wide.

For what it’s worth, Spiller would rank 186th out of 200 eligible running backs in PFF’s pass-blocking grade this past season as well. We, of course, know that blocking at the running back position is an important aspect of the LaFleur system.

Now for more on what Spiller can offer, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has to say:

"“Volume-carry running back with good size and talent for starting consideration as a pro. He was slowed, at times, by inconsistent run blocking but was still productive and consistent for much of the 2021 season. He has interior vision and loose hips, allowing him to locate and get to run lanes regardless of traffic. Spiller runs with good elusiveness but stays in that mode a little too long, which can affect his ability to finish with authority. He’s a solid back but not overly dynamic and lacks the desired third-down value right now.”"

For some added insight, here is what The Draft Network wrote in their scouting report on Spiller:

"“He has an explosive jump cut to make defenders miss or hit the open gap. Spiller runs with excellent power and is a load to bring down in the open field. He offers very good contact balance and easily runs through arm tackles. Spiller lacks elite top-end speed but he does offer some short-area quickness to plant his foot in the ground and go. He also has a long stride, which can cover ground in the open field when he gets going downhill. His excellent vision and natural instincts as a runner allow him to naturally navigate through the holes and in the open field.“"

As of now, over at the Mock Draft Database, where numerous big boards and mock drafts are compiled, Spiller is the 54th rated overall player in the draft and is projected as a second-round selection.