Special teams plays ‘huge role’ in deciding who is Packers RB3

At least on paper, there doesn’t seem to be many position battles taking place this summer for spots on the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster. However, one that will be unfolding will be for the third running back role behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

Obviously, how a player performs with the ball in their hands at the running back position is important, but when it comes to determining who is going to earn that final roster spot, that ability may not be the deciding factor.

Competing for this roster spot will be incoming rookie Lew Nichols, along with returning players Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson. Nichols was one of the Packers’ four seventh-round picks in this previous draft. He led all running backs in rushing yards during the 2021 season but also had over 80 career targets in the passing game and was used frequently as a pass-blocker in 2022.

Then there is Taylor, who is now entering his fourth season with the Packers. Last year, he was Green Bay’s primary third running back, playing 121 special teams snaps, along with 34 on offense. Of the trio, Goodson, a 2022 undrafted rookie signing, has the most burst, and we saw that on display during the preseason.

"“I think it’s going to be a real competition,” said running backs coach Ben Sirman on Thursday. “You’ve got three different type of backs. We have a Goody, who’s probably built more like Aaron in terms of what you’re going to ask him to do. Then a guy like PT is probably a little similar to Lew being bigger, good instincts.”"

With established players like Jones and Dillon, if healthy, they are going to be seeing just about every touch and snap on offense. So for the third running back, who will see little to no playing time on offense, in what other ways can they impact the game?

"“I mean, special teams played a huge role in making that decision for us,” said Sirmans. “If all guys are running on all cylinders, it may come down to which one of these guys is going to more beneficial for what we want to do offensively in situations and how their response is on special teams. So it’s going to be a real deal.”"

We saw this play out last summer. Goodson was more dynamic with the ball in his hands than Taylor was. But ultimately, when the Packers put that third running back on the roster, it was Taylor who earned that role, in large part because of his special teams abilities. Outside of Weeks 1, 9, 10, Taylor was a regular member of Green Bay’s special teams unit, and played on a variety of phases.

Sirmans also mentions that which player is the best fit in specific situations on offense Will be a factor as well. What this specifically means remains to be seen, and it’s possible that the Packers are still also unsure, as they are currently laying the foundation for what their offense will become with so many young players.

If I had to guess, similarly to last year, blocking abilities will be that important aspect. With the running backs they have, along with the playmakers at tight end and receiver, the third running back isn’t going to see much playing time, and if they do, they aren’t going to be a focal point. So again, I’ll ask, how could they contribute most in those situations?

In addition to his special teams contributions, Taylor was also able to hold his own as a blocker as well, which helped him earn that roster spot. This is something we saw on display in the Miami game, as he picked up a blitzer on third down, giving Aaron Rodgers time to complete the pass. Nichols, in his final season at Central Michigan, would go on to have the second-most pass-pro snaps of any drafted running back in the 2023 draft class, according to Bill Huber.

As Sirmans said, this should be a good training camp battle. Green Bay has three capable options for that third running back role, all of whom bring different skill sets to the table. Although how they perform with the ball in their hands will be what catches everyone’s attention this summer, special teams play and blocking abilities are going to carry more weight in the decision making process from the sounds of it.