What UDFA RB Tyler Goodson Can Add to Green Bay Packers

One of the more intriguing UDFA signings that the Green Bay Packers made this offseason was adding running back Tyler Goodson from Iowa to the 90-man roster.

Just as I have done and will continue to do with each Packers UDFA signing, I will be taking a closer look at Goodson’s game and what he can potentially offer, beginning with the outlook of the Green Bay running back position, what Goodson accomplished in college, and what pre-draft scouting report has to say.

The Current State of the Green Bay Packers Running Back Position

At the top of the depth chart, the Green Bay Packers have arguably the best running back duo in football with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, after them, a few questions arise.

Whoever RB3 ends up being is going to be used sparingly with Jones and Dillon getting the bulk of the touches, but the front-runner for that role is likely Kylin Hill–when he is healthy. Last preseason, Hill was able to showcase some playmaking ability both on the ground and through the air while he was the Packers’ primary kick returner during the regular season.

However, as I alluded to, we don’t know when Hill will return to action or if the Green Bay Packers will choose to roster three or four running backs. For reference, they rostered three last season but have kept four under Matt LaFleur previously.

So with potentially one or two roster spots up for grabs, competing with Hill will be Patrick Taylor, who is a very good fit for the LaFleur offense with his well-rounded skill-set. Taylor averaged nearly 5.0 yards per rush in Week 18 against Detroit, and for what it’s worth, he graded out well as a pass-blocker in his limited playing time last season. Also on the roster is the aforementioned Goodson as well as BJ Baylor, both of whom like any other UDFA, will face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster.

Barring any injuries, regardless of who ends up being RB3 and who is on the practice squad, if any of these running backs can find a way to stick around for the 2023 season, the potential for a larger role may be able to be earned. Next offseason, Jones could end up as a potential cut candidate, with Green Bay able to save $10.4 million in cap space by moving on from him.

What to Know About Goodson’s College Career

Goodson has three years of playing experience with the Hawkeyes, totaling 601 snaps and 497 carries in Iowa’s zone-heavy scheme, according to PFF ($$). For his career, he averaged 5.0 yards per carry with 17 touchdowns and four fumbles, but this past season was his most productive.

On 238 carries, Goodson averaged 4.6 yards per rush with six touchdowns. His 31 carries of 10-plus yards were tied for the 17th most among running backs, and he forced 37 missed tackles, which ranked tied for 59th. He would, however, average only 2.36 yards after contact.

Goodson was active in the passing game as well, with a majority of his pass-catching opportunities coming out of the backfield. He caught 61 of his 78 career targets while averaging 8.3 yards per catch with a touchdown. As a pass-blocker this past season, Goodson ranked 50th out of 136 eligible running backs by PFF’s grading system.

He has just nine career special teams snaps during his time at Iowa, which is something that will have to change at the NFL level.

Goodson measures in at 5’9″ – 197 pounds and posted an impressive RAS of 9.54 out of 10–which includes a 4.42-second 40-time. He posted “elite” numbers in the speed and agility drills by the RAS scale and a “great” score in the vertical and broad jumps. In fact, his overall testing numbers look somewhat similar to that of Aaron Jones’.

What the pre-draft scouting report has to say

Tony Pauline – Pro Football Network

"“Positives: Explosive downhill ball carrier with a terrific burst of speed,” wrote Pauline. “Displays good vision, effectively follows blocks, and shows quick feet in a small area. Multi-cut ball carrier who easily changes direction without losing momentum. Will pick and choose his spots on the inside.Displays the speed and quickness necessary to turn the perimeter and can run to daylight. Gets a lot of momentum going up the field and is tough to bring down. Flashed good vision and effectively follows blocks. Helps the quarterback sell ball fakes and picks up blocking assignments.Negatives: Runs with an upright style. Not a strong back who picks up a lot of yardage off initial contact. Does a lot of running into piles. Does not display soft hands and, despite his receiving numbers, drops a lot of catchable throws.Analysis: Goodson is a solid athlete who enters the draft with an unpolished game. He is better in a straight line and must improve all the fundamentals of his position.”"