Green Bay Packers MarShawn Lloyd Speaks on Josh Jacobs

The Green Bay Packers are going to look a lot different in their offensive backfield this season. Gone is long-time starting running back Aaron Jones, who was released this offseason after seven seasons with the team.

For a few hours, it looked like the Green Bay Packers were going to have the best running back tandem in the NFL, pairing Jones with the newly signed Josh Jacobs. But, Jones was released to save some salary cap space, making Jacobs the unquestioned No. 1 back atop the depth chart.

The NFL’s leading rusher in the 2022 season, Jacobs will bring a different look to the Packers’ offense. The entire game plan in the backfield could be different, as rookie MarShawn Lloyd will challenge for the No. 2 spot behind him.

Interestingly, Jacobs is one of the players that Lloyd said he has drawn comparisons to. The former Las Vegas Raiders star is someone Lloyd has studied as well, so getting to share the backfield with him will be special.

“I’ve watched a lot of tape of Josh Jacobs,” said 5-foot-9, 220-pound Lloyd. “A lot of people compared me to him, with a similar build. Being shorter but having a similar build to Josh Jacobs, a lot of my coaches compared us.”

The Green Bay Packers did bring back AJ Dillon, as he was a free agent this offseason. Alas, the backup job is not securely his, as Lloyd brings a lot to the table that the coaching staff likes for this offense.

Despite limited reps in the passing game collegiately, head coach Matt LaFleur believes that Lloyd can be a difference-maker in that area of the game. He is an explosive athlete, averaging 17.8 yards per reception, an underheard of number for a running back and elite for wide receivers.

A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, you can be sure the Packers will get MarShawn Lloyd involved early and often. A three-running back committee hasn’t been used by LaFleur during his tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, but that could change if everyone performs at a high level in offseason workouts.