Packers’ Coach Doesn’t Hold Back On Expectations For Rookie RB

The Green Bay Packers signed running back Josh Jacobs in free agency, but they apparently weren’t done addressing the position.

In the third round of the NFL Draft, the Packers selected USC’s MarShawn Lloyd and were widely praised for the shrewd pick.

Green Bay also re-signed AJ Dillon earlier in the offseason, so the team will now have a trio of Jacobs, Lloyd and Dillon in its backfield.

However, it’s looking like Lloyd may end up becoming the No. 2 guy behind Jacobs.

Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich seems to really love the incoming rookie halfback.

“I liked his speed. I liked his speed a lot,” said Stenavich, via Ed Edholm of NFL.com. “He had some good runs in OTAs where you saw his burst. He’s got good vision, so I’m really excited about that out of the backfield.”

Stenavich also revealed his expectations for Lloyd, and it appears that he is planning for the youngster to receive plenty of playing time.

“I would like to get (Lloyd) out there as much as possible,” Stenavich said. “He’s got a skill set that’s a little bit different than AJ’s as far as his speed. He’s not quite the bruiser that (Dillon) is obviously, but he’s got a different type of skill set. So it’ll be nice to get him the ball in space and just see what he can do because I think he’s gonna add a good explosive element to the offense as well.”

Lloyd is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging a robust 7.1 yards per carry.

The 23-year-old began his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina in 2020 and spent three seasons there before transferring to USC, where he proceeded to break out.

Green Bay’s ground game will certainly look a lot different in 2024 with Aaron Jones gone and Jacobs taking over as the featured back in his place. On top of that, the Packers will get to debut Lloyd, who may end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft class.