1 Big Question Facing Each Green Bay Packers Player: Running Backs
By Paul Bretl
Can Tyler Goodson be the next UDFA to make the Green Bay Packers’ initial 53-man roster?
As we all know, the Green Bay Packers have a strong tradition of undrafted rookies not only making the roster but also several who end up playing fairly big roles over their careers.
Enter Tyler Goodson, who brings a well-rounded skill-set to the Packers from the University of Iowa. In three seasons with the Hawkeyes, Taylor averaged 5.0 yards per rush with 17 touchdowns. He also had 78 career targets during that span.
Like many young skill-position players, Goodson will have to show that he can be a steady presence as a blocker, which is one reason why the experience that Patrick Taylor has, both in the NFL and in LaFleur’s offense, could be an important factor.
Athletically, Goodson gives off some Aaron Jones vibes, measuring in at 5’9″ – 197 pounds and posting similar as well as impressive testing numbers.
Goodson will be an under-the-radar name to watch this summer.
Can BJ Baylor be an effective pass-catcher this summer for the Green Bay Packers?
The running backs play a very important role in the Green Bay Packers’ passing game. As already mentioned, Aaron Jones has been second on the team for three consecutive seasons in targets, while last season, AJ Dillon had 34 receptions of his own for 313 yards.
For BJ Baylor, this is a part of his game that he wasn’t asked to be all that active in, while at Oregon State. In four seasons, he had just 22 total targets, with 10 of them coming in his final season. He also averaged only 6.6 yards per catch and didn’t have a touchdown.
Now, AJ Dillon finished his career at Boston College with only 27 targets, and as we’ve seen from him during his time with the Packers, that was because he simply wasn’t asked to be a pass-catcher–it didn’t have anything to do with him not being able to.
Next. Focus on Packers Pass-Catchers, Not Only the WRs. dark
Perhaps Baylor can show the same effectiveness right away as well. However, that is something that still remains to be seen in an offense that expects its running backs to contribute to the passing game.