Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers are entering the 2020 NFL Draft with a few needs to focus on filling and a few desires to add to their list. Among the desires for the young head coach is another running back to form a trio with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. In order to keep both of those guys healthy and rested and with both of them in the final year of their contracts, drafting a running back at some point in the draft would make a lot of sense.
However, the Packers also need to focus on bringing in a talented wide receiver and an inside linebacker who can play immediately. Brian Gutekunst has his work cut out for him.
Should Green Bay actually look at bringing in a running back in the NFL Draft, there are a few intriguing options. Some mock drafts have even had the Packers taking a running back in the second round with the No. 62 overall pick.
All of that being said, let's take a look at three running backs the Packers could target in the 2020 NFL Draft.
3. James Robinson, Illinois State
Let's start with a small school sleeper pick that the Packers could take a look at in the sixth round or seventh. James Robinson may not be talked about much, but he could be an intriguing addition. He ran a 4.64 40-yard dash and put up impressive production in 2019 with the Redbirds.
Robinson carried the football 364 times for 1,899 yards and 18 touchdowns. Those numbers average out to 5.2 yards per carry.
Green Bay wouldn't be drafting Robinson to be their running back of the future. They would be bringing him in as a third-string guy who could take some carries off of the shoulders of Jones and Williams if needed. While this move wouldn't be a flashy addition, it would be a solid pick late in the draft.
2. Eno Benjamin, Arizona State
Moving up a bit, the Packers would have to target Eno Benjamin in between the third and fifth rounds of the NFL Draft. He is one of the more intriguing running back prospects in this draft class and for good reason.
Benjamin had a solid season in 2019 with the Sun Devils, racking up 1,083 yards and 10 touchdowns on 253 carries. Back in 2018, however, he put up massive numbers with 300 carries for 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns. In addition to his skills on the ground, Benjamin has also proven himself to be a solid receiving back.
If the Packers want to target a guy who could be a long-term fit for them, Benjamin could be that. He would be able to compete for playing time early on and would be well worth a fourth or fifth round pick.
1. Zack Moss, Utah
Finally, there is one running back that has been connected to the Packers already this offseason. Utah standout Zack Moss seems like a good fit for the Green Bay offense, but he is currently projected to go in the second or third round. That might be a little high for the Packers to take a running back, but maybe not.
Moss racked up 235 carries in 2019 for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers show his ability to be a dual-threat back.
There is no question that Moss has big potential, but the Packers need to be careful with how high they take a running back. Aaron Rodgers isn't getting any younger and Green Bay was only a piece or two away from competing for a Super Bowl last season. Taking Moss could be a legitimate option, but the Packers need to make sure they shore up their main needs as well.
Follow Us
Subscribe