Packers Training Camp Roster Battles: Tyler Goodson vs. Patrick Taylor

The Green Bay Packers will reconvene as a team on Wednesday, July 26th to kick off their training camp. With the start of camp, a multitude of positional battles will ensue, including a notable one between Tyler Goodson and Patrick Taylor at the running back position.

As we delve into a series of previews highlighting the individual battles set to unfold across the Packers’ roster, we commence with a closer examination of the competition between Goodson and Taylor.

What are they battling for?

The battle for the third running back position and a coveted spot on the Packers’ initial 53-man roster is up for grabs. Last year, Green Bay opted to retain only two running backs, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, on their initial roster. It is a plausible scenario that history could repeat itself this season.

However, both Goodson and Taylor have an opportunity not only to secure the third running back role but also to prove their worth for a permanent spot on the roster. In the previous season, with Jones and Dillon making the cut, Goodson and Taylor were assigned to the practice squad, eventually exhausting their eligibility for gameday appearances. While Taylor may find himself in a similar position once again, it poses a significant risk for the Packers to relegate Goodson to the practice squad.

In a preview of the Green Bay Packers roster battles heading into training camp, Tyler Goodson and Patrick Taylor will compete at running back.

Why it should be Patrick Taylor:

A year ago, Taylor found himself in a fierce competition with Kylin Hill for the coveted third running back spot during training camp. Taylor emerged victorious from that battle and now faces a new challenge as he fights to secure his position once again. His past experience and resilience in similar situations give him an advantage in this latest test.

One of Taylor’s significant advantages over Goodson lies in his contributions on special teams. While his playing time on offense was limited to just 33 snaps in 2022, he excelled on special teams, accumulating 122 snaps primarily on kick return and punt coverage. With Rich Bisaccia taking over as the Packers’ special teams coordinator last year, the emphasis on players who can make an impact in this area has increased. This places Taylor in a favorable position as training camp approaches, holding a substantial edge over his counterpart.

Why it should be Tyler Goodson:

Unlike Taylor, Goodson didn’t see any playing time last year, which may gives him a lack of experience compared to his competition. However, he brings a higher level of upside as a dynamic runner and explosive playmaker in the Packers’ offense.

Goodson’s versatility sets him apart, as he not only possesses the skills of a traditional running back, but also has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and excel in various roles such as jet sweeps and running crossers over the middle of the field. This multi-dimensional skill set makes him a valuable asset for a team in search of playmakers across the roster.

During the offseason, Goodson had the opportunity to work out with Aaron Jones, earning praise from both his teammates and coaching staff. While he will need to contribute on special teams to solidify his spot, Goodson’s potential ceiling as a player surpasses that of Taylor, giving him a significant advantage in terms of his overall upside.