Heading into the 2018 season, there appears to be a wide-open competition in the backfield for the Green Bay Packers for the starting job with the team hedging toward a running back by committee approach.

One of those players that will have a strong shot at earning a chance to lock down that starting role is Aaron Jones, who has recently voiced to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com that he has improved his strength this offseason to help better prepare him for the physical rigors that come over the course of a season.

“I’m bigger all around,” Jones said. “That’s something that’s going to help me in pass protection and that’s something I want to get better at. I’m stronger, so definitely when a defender who’s bigger than me comes up I can hold my ground this year.”

In his first campaign in the league, Jones had shown plenty of promise in his limited time on the field. He's, thus far, tallied 448 rushing yards on 81 carries and four touchdowns. This saw him post his first two 100-yard performances that truly put him on the map as a promising running back, but injuries prevented him from truly taking off as Jamaal Williams was the primary beneficiary from his absence.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce leaves the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Ex-Raiders coach Antonio Pierce’s bankruptcy case reaches conclusionMiguel La Torre ·
Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Former Houston Texans JJ Watt listens during his Ring Of Honor Ceremony at halftime during the game between the Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
JJ Watt issues nostalgic demand to the NBA FinalsZachary Draves ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) participates in position drills during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders surprised by Joe Flacco’s admission during OTAsAlex House ·
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) makes a catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) during the third quarter.
Ravens’ Rashod Bateman shares heartfelt message after contract extensionJosh Davis ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin sets up a timeout in the second quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
Next big move Steelers must make after securing Aaron Rodgers agreementDouglas Fritz ·
Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Colts receive important update after injury scareMike Gianakos ·

The 23-year-old has an opportunity in front of him to etch out a steady role in the offense, but he has plenty of competition at the position with both Williams and Ty Montgomery likely vying for playing time.

What he may also need to improve beyond his strength is his ability to be a bigger factor in the passing game as each of the other two running backs possesses the ability to impact the game as receivers out of the backfield.

Nonetheless, it is clear that Jones is taking the steps necessary to make himself physically prepared for the upcoming season.