The Lass Word: Can Dillon Really Replace Aaron Jones Next Year?
One game is not enough to judge, but it sure is encouraging.
By KenLass
If running back Aaron Jones was going to re-sign with the Packers, I feel sure it would have happened by now. Jones’ hiring of high-powered agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him is a clear indication he wants top dollar for a new contract. The Packers simply don’t have the cap room to pay it.
It is a popular contention among Packer fans that AJ Dillon was drafted to replace Jones in 2021. But is that realistic? If Jones (and likely Jamaal Williams as well) depart for free agency, can Dillon step right in and provide the same elements to the offense?
At first glance, they certainly appear to be very different kinds of ball carriers. Jones is 5’9”, 207 pounds and his strong point is his explosiveness through the hole and shiftiness in the open field. He is the definition of the term “gamebreaker”, capable of busting a run all the way at any given time. He has also proven to be an excellent receiver. He gives the Green Bay offense the kind of eruptive threat they have lacked perhaps since Ahman Green.
By contrast, Dillon is a bulked up 6’0”, 247 pound bruiser who specializes in power running. In the open field, no one will accuse him of being Barry Sanders, but he can juke a little bit and use his hips to out leverage a would-be tackler. Would you call him explosive? A gamebreaker? That might be a stretch.
On the Packers’ first offensive play of the second half last Sunday night, Aaron Rodgers handed the ball off to Jones on a dive play to the left. David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins and Billy Turner were stood up and pushed back, so much so that Jones actually crashed right into the back of Turner. But the 4th year back from UTEP had the vision and the athleticism to bounce off the contact, make a sharp cut to the left, and explode around the edge, running for 59 yards. Yes, I know he stepped out of bounds, but that’s not the point here. The point is, I’m not sure AJ Dillon can make that play.
Later in the 3rd quarter, Rodgers flipped a checkdown pass to Dillon in the right flat. There was plenty of room to run, and Dillon charged forward until he approached first contact. As he tried to make a move, he lost his footing and went down after a seven yard gain. Obviously the conditions might have had something to do with it, but this is the kind of open field opportunity which Jones routinely breaks into a big play.
At another point in the second half, Dillon takes a hand-off and begins a sweep to the right. Tennessee’s David Long blows through Turner and Lucas Patrick and Dillon is unable to avoid him, getting tackled for a loss. Two plays later, Jones begins a sweep to the left which appears to be similarly clogged up, but Jones is able to explode around the edge and outrun Adoree Jackson for an 8 yard gain.
Again, I have my doubts Dillon has the quick explosion to make that play.
On the other hand, Dillon brings a physical presence and strength that Jones cannot match. Perfect example: Late third quarter, Packers have 3rd and 1 in Titans territory. Jones gets the handoff up the middle and is stoned for no gain. On 4th down, Dillon enters the game, takes the handoff and bursts through two tackles on the way to a 30 yard touchdown.
The 4th quarter is another clear illustration of the difference between the two backs. Jones jets around the left edge for 9 yards. Dillon powers up the middle for gains of 5, 8, and 8 again. Then in the red zone he literally runs over Tennessee’s 292 pound defensive end Matt Dickerson on his way to a seven yard touchdown. Jones can't do that, just as Dillon likely couldn't have beat the corner around the edge.
So, it would be basically a trade-off. We lose Jones' explosion and gain Dillon's power. Not convinced that's a good deal.
Now, before I go further, I acknowledge that it is completely unfair to compare a four year veteran like Jones, to a rookie getting his first significant playing time. Dillon will get better and better. But can he replace the gamebreaking explosion that Jones provides?
It’s not a question of speed. It may surprise you to know that Dillon’s combine time in the 40 was actually faster than Jones. Dillon ran a 4.53 to Jones’ 4.56. It’s that quick acceleration and speed to the hole that the Packers might miss. Maybe they can use a second or third day draft pick to find a scatback who can fill this role. Someone like Alabama's Najee Harris would be ideal, although Harris will be long gone by the end of the first round.
Together, Jones and Dillon would be the perfect one-two punch. But the salary cap, which over the years has done so much to keep the Packers competitive, in this case will be a stumbling block.
OUTTAKES
• Speaking of running backs, looks like the Packers may get Jamaal Williams back for the Bears game. I'm curious as to whether he will be the second back in after Jones, or if Dillon's performance moved him past Jamaal in the rotation.
• It was a bit surprising to see Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill appear to be pulling away from Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan in the open field on his 45 yard touchdown run. Tannehill is faster than you think. Jaire Alexander was gaining mightily on him but ran out of room.
• Matt LaFleur said today (Thursday) that Snacks Harrison is in the building, will practice today, and "will potentially suit up" Sunday against the Bears. "That's a big time pick-up for us, especially this late in the season", he went on to say. "That doesn't happen very often."
• One of the key players in Sunday's game against the Bears is, of all people, former Packers tight end Jimmy Graham. Graham is quietly having a very good year for Chicago with 48 catches for 451 yards. His eight touchdowns is tied for third in the league among tight ends, two behind Robert Tonyan.
• Prior to the 2019 season the Packers and Bears essentially swapped safeties, with Green Bay signing Adrian Amos, and the Bears picking up Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Bears fans were hooting that they got the better end of the exchange. Now, less than two seasons later, Amos is playing like one of the league's top safeties, HCD is out of football.
• I thought there might be a scenario where, if the Bears were to win Sunday, the two teams would turn right around and play each other again in the playoffs. But as I work through the possibilities, I can't come up with a sequence where that would happen. Doesn't matter. Pack's going to take care of business.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (67)
Hematite
December 31, 2020 at 03:30 pm
Jones is explosive and shifty.
Dillon is a plodder with power and speed.
Either type of running back can bring success.
They would compliment each other nicely if it wasn't for that pesky salary cap.
No way can we pay the kind of money that Jones wants.
Draft the next guy up in April.
Bure9620
December 31, 2020 at 03:47 pm
Yes he can, with the exception being the downfield pass game. I loved the Dillon pick as much as I Loved the Love pick. I live in New England, get to some BC games from time to time, this kid faces a minimum of an 8 man box on the majority of runs. Defenses did not fear their passing game at all. He was their whole offense, as their QB was basically just an option guy that didn't throw well.
As a Wiscosnin fan and a JT23 fan, Dillon is every bit as good as Taylor and bigger. Taylor simply had a better O-line and supporting cast. Dillon is also durable, There is no way the Packers can afford Jones and it would be a mistake to give him Kamara/McCaffrey money.
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 05:27 pm
Thats what ive been sayin for months. If Jones leaves draft a similar RB in rd 3 or 4 to pair with Dillon.
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2020 at 08:30 pm
If you want a speedy back to move into Jones spot look at Etienne, Chubba Hubbard, Verdell from Oregon with 4.4 speed. Rounds two-three. Probably need a CB with the one pick and another OT.
dobber
January 01, 2021 at 08:18 am
That's just it. Jones runs well, but he's not outstanding speed-wise. I think his profile is more about vision, acceleration, and COD. Undersized speed backs are a dime a dozen in college...but finding a guy who puts it all together (including receiving skills) is the hard part.
Let's not underestimate ball security, either. Jones has been pretty good in that regard, and good teams hang onto the football.
SwedeBayPacker
December 31, 2020 at 03:42 pm
No, but he could maybe replace Williams. But it's been one game where Dillon shone, let's not get ahead of things.
Coldworld
December 31, 2020 at 03:51 pm
I love watching Jones. I love having him as a Packer, but there is no way I can see him being one next year. Dillon is a credible threat. The question is can and do we keep Williams: how do the two complement tach other?
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 05:31 pm
Williams doesn't compliment Dillon. Williams is a less talented and smaller version of Dillon. Too much alike. Now Dillon and Jones compliment each other perfectly.
Coldworld
December 31, 2020 at 05:43 pm
The concern that I was alluding to
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 05:57 pm
I assumed that was the case.
Guam
January 01, 2021 at 08:17 am
The Packers likely have three comp picks (Bulaga, Martinez, Fackrell) in addition to their seven regular picks this year. I expect the Pack to use at least one of those picks (4th or 5th round?) to draft a complimentary "scatback" to Dillion's power back. As to Williams, I am not sure the Packers have enough cap room to even resign him, much less Jones. I wouldn't be surprised if he signs elsewhere and the Packers draft his replacement as well.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 08:19 pm
I get that for sure. But it would leave the Packers very short on experience in the RB room. One of Jones/Williams should be brought back for that purpose, if nothing else.
TheVOR
December 31, 2020 at 03:56 pm
I really like Jones, but we can't keep them all, it's just not feasible with the cap. Jones is an excellent play maker, and he'll be greatly missed. Not sure if anyone will actually replace him, I think Dillon can be very successful in this league, but they're like apples and oranges when it comes to their style.
I can see Dillon being a Bell Cow. As for Jones, that's the real dilemma isn't it. He's probably never going to be an every down back that can carry it 20+ times a week in the NFL and stay healthy.
All said, I don't expect Jones back, and I do think GB needs to keep chasing that style of quickness and ability to compliment Dillon next year. Dillon has a high ceiling, we finally got a decent look at him, and I sure liked what we saw. He's a very capable footballer.
Qoojo
December 31, 2020 at 03:55 pm
Drafting is all about increasing competition and being prepared down the road. I think too many fans have the expectation that drafted players contribute and help at year 1. Year 3 seems to be the make or break year. Some positions can contribute earlier.
I think the packers drafted Dillon because he appears to have the potential to wear a defense out. A guy that they get tired of tackling. Now add that the packers probably cannot keep both Jones and Williams, and they have serious doubts about the depth behind those two. Perhaps the packers think they can keep one of them, then Dillon is the backup or starter if he excels.
I would not recommend running Dillon wider than off tackle very often. He should be using quickness, which he displayed, then power to make the defender pay, not speed runs to get to outside.
dobber
December 31, 2020 at 03:59 pm
A Dillon-led running game would look significantly different from a Jones-led running game...that's what you're getting at above, Ken. Can Dillon be a lead back in a quality NFL run game? Probably, yes, but I think an offense like this would need a shifty, 1b speed back to Dillon's 1a if they want to get the most out of him. NFL power backs don't have a very long shelf life: Jerome Bettises are few and far between.
Some compare Dillon to Derrick Henry; I've said that I think his better comp is Mike Alstott. If the Packers want to roll with Dillon, they need a Warrick Dunn to balance him out.
MarkinMadison
December 31, 2020 at 05:06 pm
I think Dillon moves a bit better than Alstott, and is certainly faster than Alstott but I get comparison. It would be interesting to see Jones and Dillon line up in the backfield together.
4thand10
December 31, 2020 at 06:50 pm
I would compare him to Lagarrette Bount. Alstott was a full back by trade..even though Tampa used him frequently when they couldn’t get production from RBs or in short yardage.
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2020 at 08:33 pm
Probably draft two more guys with the speed profile, the quickness, and ability to play in the passing game.
Minniman
December 31, 2020 at 03:56 pm
TL;DR Too few games played - We don’t know yet
Jones is a receiving AND running threat. Very rare.
dobber
December 31, 2020 at 04:17 pm
Very true: there's a difference between RBs who catch screens and dump-offs, and RBs who are good receivers.
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 05:36 pm
RB that are running and recethreats are not rare. In today's NFL RB almost must be dual threat RB.
Minniman
January 01, 2021 at 01:12 am
Dobber answered it for me already Stroh - good ones that can run routes, make contested catches and record solid YAC are rare.
Above- mentioned players that glove fit a scheme are rarer again.
In a fantasy world both parties would see this and agree to something amicable to keep him a Packer.
In reality Jones will walk and get PAID. How successful he’ll be will depend on the team that he goes to.
Sure, his replacement won’t necessarily go in an early draft round - but he will need time to develop to Jones’ current standard (which may not coincide with Rodgers’ window).
dobber
January 01, 2021 at 08:13 am
WR --> RB conversions are becoming more common, too.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 08:25 pm
I disagree. I don't think they are rare. Its part of the job description for RB in most college programs anymore. Most college programs being much different than the Badgers who rarely use RB in the passing game.
PeteK
December 31, 2020 at 06:07 pm
Also, a very good pass blocker and great locker room presence .
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 05:17 pm
No Dillon may not be able to make the run Jones did. What's your point? There are also alot of runs Dillon can make that Jones can't! They are different types of RB with very different styles. If Dillon gets in the open field he's every bit as fast as Jones, maybe faster.
I think the Packers want Jones back to pair with Dillon. We all know Jones has injury concerns and has missed his share of games. What better way to prolong Jones's effectiveness than to have a power RB take the heavy lifting off Jones.
It comes down to Jones accepting the Packers offer. Otherwise he can leave and find out how difficult it is to run the ball when you don't have Rodgers as your QB.
Wanna know what's a good deal? Having a power RB in Nov and Dec, not to mention Jan, in Green Bay Wisconsin!
Quite trying to convince us Jones is better for the Packers than Dillon. You can't. Obviously having both is the best. BTW Dillon tested better in explosiveness than Jones did at combine.
4thand10
December 31, 2020 at 07:04 pm
I agree. He should take GBs offer...he gets to rotate , keep his body fresh and have a shot at a SB. Alvin Kamara becomes a free agent at the same time so that will be interesting to watch. I’m not so confident teams would pay for a not-an-every-down back ( Jones) who is oft injured 2-3x per year...explosive or not. And I don’t think either Jones or Kamara, as explosive as they are will be as durable or reliable as say a.....Lashaun McCoy. If I was a GM, yes they are nice to have...I wouldn’t overpay. I would overpay for a Lagarrette Bount type or a Derek Henry because those types just change what other teams have to do defensively.
PatB
January 01, 2021 at 12:23 am
Kamara signed an extension with the Saints.
I hope the Packers can find a way to bring Jones back, but he has already given us tremendous value, and he might not get another chance for a big contract. Many other teams will have more cap space. If he leaves for more than Green Bay can offer, I will be bummed but not surprised.
HighPlainsDrifter
January 01, 2021 at 06:06 am
"Quite trying to convince us Jones is better for the Packers than Dillon. You can't."
The author presented an even handed assessment of the relative strengths between Jones and Dillon. He did not try "to convince us" that Jones is better. Stop putting words in someone else's mouth.
You would have better off posting for the 40th time your tired opinion that the Packers will make one take it or leave it offer to Jones with no negotiations. As if you have any clue as to how the front office operates.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 10:43 pm
Its not at all hard to know how the FO operates. All you really have to do is Pay Attention! You should try it. The fact Jones hired a new agent points directly to the fact he wasn't getting the negotiations he wanted or expected.
In the future if you want to know what the Packers are probably going to do just ask me!
The author explicitly stated Dillon can't provide what Jones can without acknowledging that Dillon can do many things Jones can't. That's a clear indication he in fact thinks Jones is a gamebreaker (his term) without saying same for Dillon. He in fact stated its a stretch to say that about Dillon. I guess that means Derrick Henry isn't a gamebreaker either. READ.
MilkCan44
January 02, 2021 at 02:11 pm
Apparently Stroh spends time drinking Stroh's before commenting. Dillon plays one game and now it's locked in that he'll never miss a game with injury!!
Stroh
January 02, 2021 at 07:28 pm
Where in thee hell did I say anything like that? I HAVE NOT! In fact ive said all along I think the Packers want Jones back (at their number). I pointed out what the author said using his words to disprove what he said. Not my fault he and apparently you, can't f'in read! J.A.
PeteK
January 01, 2021 at 01:09 pm
Jones' 3 con drill time 6.82, Dillon 7.19, they were equal in 40 times. I love Dillon, but at this moment Jones can attack a defense in more varied ways than Dillon and if cap space were equal Jones would be my choice.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 08:48 pm
Good comment abd maybe Jones can attack more varied ways. However, because this is Green Bay Wisconsin and the Packers play in the elements you can just as easily come to the conclusion that Dillon brings more value in Nov Dec and Jan. It evens things out. His power also provides a missing element to the offense. In much the same way Lacy did, till he ates his way out of the NFL.
MarkinMadison
December 31, 2020 at 05:13 pm
Jones will be the top running back in FA this year. Someone will pay him, despite the salary cap situation. There will be a lot of other guys who will have to settle on the cheap, assuming the cap takes a dip. With a number of choices out there I don't think Williams is a lock to come back, although familiarity will be an advantage for him. And then there is the draft. So whatever you think of Dillon, I think you have to assume that he will be the odds-on favorite to be the Packers' #1 back next year.
PeteK
January 01, 2021 at 11:41 am
If Jones leaves, Etienne's (Clemson) speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability would be an excellent compliment to Dillon. Wishful thinking because we will be drafting low with possible needs at corner and tackle.However, Edwards-Helaire last pick in 1st round, and DBs, Chinn, Winfield, and Johnson( Bears) all went late in round two.
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 05:23 pm
Its also not surprising Tannehill was able to score on that run. To those of us who are informed Tannehill played alot of WR in college and he can certainly run very well. Like a 4.5 40 or so, probeas fast as Aaron Jones. He also had a running start.
PeteK
December 31, 2020 at 06:13 pm
Texas A&M , I believe. Age has probably raised that somewhat. When you get a head start like that Lancaster could have scored. LOL
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 09:35 pm
You are correct. He went to TX A&M. IIRC he only played one year at QB in college. Think QB was his preferred position, but wanted to play and was behind someone.
NickPerry
January 03, 2021 at 09:14 am
Tannehill ran a 4.65 40 at his Pro Day...He didn't participate at the combine because of a foot injury.
For a dude who's always making such a big deal out of a few tenth's of seconds on 40 times and tells us all every chance he can he's SO informed, you seem to be way off on this one.
Okay, go ahead and insult me now.
GregC
December 31, 2020 at 05:33 pm
You can't have an entire team that is made of players who have already proven themselves. It would be too expensive. So unless the Packers can re-sign Jones for an unexpectedly low price, they will have to go with Dillon. And he will probably be just fine. He's certainly not as explosive as Jones, but he could be more steady overall and certainly more reliable in short yardage situations, which this team has struggled with in the Jones/Williams era. Speaking of Williams, I think there's a good chance that the Packers can re-sign him at a relatively low cost. I don't think any other team will see him as starting-caliber. He has already reached his ceiling.
Lphill
December 31, 2020 at 05:47 pm
Unfortunately no way the Packers can pay the price Jones will command , so it will be Dillon and Williams next year.
Stroh
December 31, 2020 at 06:03 pm
Probably, but if that's the case, the Packers will likely draft a Jones type RB in rd 3 or 4, to really compliment Dillon.
Hematite
January 01, 2021 at 05:26 am
Williams and Dillon don't really compliment each other as far as "change of pace" but I think the Packers can make it work.
Drafting a "scat back" in the bottom half of the draft would be a complimentary addition.
stockholder
December 31, 2020 at 06:31 pm
I still feel they can sign anybody they want too. Yes it may require cuts now. So pick a straw. Dillion should not be the feature back. You saw how our Defense stopped Henry. So Don't think Dillion can't be too. IMO, LeFlueur still wants to keep this a High powered offense. The last great Rb Trio I remember were; Csonka, Kick, And Morris.( per a 17-0 Season.) Anybody can get hurt. And for that reason; BG will draft another RB. Also: We all know how are special teams need to get better. Yes BG should have signed Jones. But if I was in Jones shoes I'd move on. Show me the money and Retire a Packer. It worked for James Jones WR, and it will be the same for Aaron Jones RB.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 09:01 pm
Our defense played out of their collective minds against Henry. But I guess your not aware Henry is going to be the rushing champ for the 2nd consecutive season. So very few teams are stopping him, if rushing for 98 yds is actually being stopped! Try again!!!
mbpacker
December 31, 2020 at 06:35 pm
The Packers do have a one cut, runner with speed on the team- Dexter Williams. I know he hasn't shown much but has had some injury issues. If he can stay healthy and learn the play book and RPB, he may be that change pace back for Dillon. Both Rodgers and LaFlure said Dexter has a great attitude and was making progress. Maybe the Packers draft a back in later rounds and roll the dice that Dexter can progress- we've seen players before that take a few years to get it going. Dexter was explosive at ND. He is also affordable.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 09:03 pm
I've mentioned Dexter a few times. They don't care about anything he might be capable of.
PeteK
December 31, 2020 at 09:07 pm
Just a thought, Jones already has a 2mill cap hit, Williams 2, Jackson 2, Burks 2, Montravious 1=Jones 4-40-25 guaranteed( Henry is getting 4-50-25)
Thegreatreynoldo
January 01, 2021 at 04:09 pm
Cap hits for 2021:'
Zero: Jones, Williams, M. Adams
$1.99M - Josh Jackson, $657K dead, net $1.33 - 660K = $670K
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 09:08 pm
LMFAO. Can't figure out that if he plays out his contract and becomes a FA, he no longer has a cap hit! Too f'in funny!
PeteK
January 02, 2021 at 10:16 am
Poot
canadapacker
December 31, 2020 at 09:07 pm
With Bak going down so late in the year - actually by the time he gets his knee fixed it will be 2021 - what would be the Cap implications - does LTIR cut the cap hit for 2021 or does he need to be cut. Maybe there is some money there for Jones - in any case dont believe that Dillon will be the lead back either now or in the future but a dynamite two person pairing like being the Csonka for a Jim Kiick or a Mercury Morris - Hope it is Jones but he needs to take the money and how much he is willing to leave on the table to re-sign with the Pack is the question but just remember who is agent is.
PeteK
January 01, 2021 at 11:14 am
Not an option because of 61 mill guarantee, he could be released in 2023 with a 17 mill cap savings, but he'll be back
canadapacker
January 01, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Thanks didnt know the options for the NFL - NHL I believe has a way of putting guys on LTIR and getting some sort of cap relief - by being able to exceed the salary cap while the player is on the injury .
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 10:20 pm
FYI. Csonka was very much the lead RB, while Kiick and Morris were the complimentary RB. And yes Dillon will be the #1 RB. If jones returns it might be close to a 50/50 split.
MilkCan44
December 31, 2020 at 09:20 pm
I haven't read every comment, but what I have not seen in the article is not only that Jones is elusive and at times a 4th wide receiver - but he has innate VISION that only the top backs have. Running "where they ain't" is better than trying to run over.
If Jones has proven he can last a whole season, they should re-sign for at least one more contract, and use the draft to get cheaper players elsewhere. Ahman Green and Jones are the two best backs they've had in the Favre-Rodgers era.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 09:16 pm
Dillon seemed to runwhere they ain't on his 30 yd TD run. Made a nifty little move/jump cut to get off tackle.
Jones has missed games in 3 of his 4 seasons which indicates he can't really make it thru a full season. At least alot more than proven he can!
Why do you make this garbage up?
murph27
December 31, 2020 at 11:05 pm
Nothing good happens when Drew Rosenhaus is involved.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
January 01, 2021 at 10:27 am
I’m betting that the Cowboys sign Jones for big money and McCarthy leaves him on the bench.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 10:35 pm
So instead of overpaying Elliott they'll overpay Jones instead?!
Rossonero
January 01, 2021 at 12:13 pm
When the Packers took Dillon on day 2 of the draft, it spelled the end of Aaron Jones' time for me. Piled on top of that were the mega deals for Clark and Bakhtiari, the fact that the RB position has been devalued and the decreased salary cap due to COVID-19, and there's simply too many headwinds against him.
There's no question we'll miss Jones' do-it-all ability. I wouldn't be surprised if a rival NFC team like the Seahawks snapped him up, since Carson is a FA and Rashaad Penny hasn't worked out (hope that doesn't happen). I also can picture him in a Falcons uniform for some reason, since Gurley is a FA.
The Packers front office clearly loved Dillon enough to take him in the 2nd round and must believe he can be a feature back in the NFL. Some people are calling him "Baby Lacy." Lacy was fantastic for us for those first two seasons, and was underrated for his ability to catch passes. I see a similar mold in Dillon, perhaps a little more athletic than Lacy though.
The thing is, Ted Thompson found Aaron Jones sitting in the 5th round...well after many other RBs, possibly because he just went to UTEP. But the tape didn't lie -- he led the nation in rushes over 20 yards. The vision, the agility, the breakaway speed. That just goes to show how explosive he is.
Does anyone know where to find the stat of rushes over 20 yards? I've tried googling and haven't had much luck....I'd really like to see who has led college football in rushes over 20 yards and how they went on to do in the NFL. The other aspect of this is when Jones gets paid, we should at least get a decent compensatory pick (3rd or 4th rounder).
canadapacker
January 01, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Totally disagree that Dillon was chosen to replace Jones - he was chosen so that we didnt need to pass on 3rd and 4th and short. He obviously had his Covid issues and hadnt worked into any rotation up to then. I am a big believer in not paying out really big contracts to running backs - there are just simply too few Petersons, Emmit Smiths or Frank Gores in the NFL. It would be good to look for another Jones in the mid to late rounds. Those guys always show up. I would also be concerned about paying a guy like Jones big money because of his body type. Simply cant hold up to 4 or 5 more years of pounding. That is another reason that Dillon was picked. So keep Williams and Dillon and bring in another scat back unless Jones wants to stay on a reasonable short contract - but not likely with his agent Rosenhaus needs the big contract to attrack guys.
Rossonero
January 01, 2021 at 08:21 pm
And I totally disagree that the front office wasted a 2nd round pick to have a RB essentially operate as nothing more than a high priced FB. That doesn't make any sense to invest that kind of draft capital to merely use him on short yardage situations....and I might add that against the Titans, that was definitely not his role at all. They featured him with 20+ carries.
Guys like Aaron Jones do not just "show up" in later rounds either. Out of 70 eligible RBs, he's rated 14th overall in PFF. He may be 5'9" 207 lbs, but then again Alvin Kamara is 5'10" 215 lbs. Is he a scatback? He does not run like one, even if he's not a power runner.
And if you agree with me about not paying RBs, then you'd agree with my logic about why the Packers drafted Dillon: they didn't want to wait until 2021 to spend a draft pick on a RB, they wanted to groom Jones' heir apparent in 2020, which is what they are doing. Time will tell at the 2021 draft, but I'd be surprised if they find another guy like Aaron Jones in the 5th round. He's provided incredible return on investment; in other words, guys like him just don't grow on trees.
Stroh
January 01, 2021 at 10:31 pm
They didn't draft Dillon in rd 2 to be a perennial backup. IMO they want Jones back but only at the number they are willing to pay. They won't negotiate with Jones, it will very much be a take it or leave it deal.
RB can be found throughout the draft. Hell Jones himself was a 5th rd pick. He proves you can find them.
Dillon provides insurance if Jones leaves, but if Jones returns they will be sharing the touches. Most likely fairly evenly with Dillon getting a few more carries but Jones getting a few receptions to even things out.
canadapacker
January 03, 2021 at 08:54 am
I never said as Rossonero states - that the Pack wasted a 2nd round pick on a high priced Fullback. I said that Dillon was the type of guy who could get the short yardage 3rd and 4th down conversions consistently. Will he be able to replace Jones - likely not totally. But he can be more of a Bettis/Corey Dillon/or Jim Taylor to go a bit far back. But he is not the juking guy that Jones is . However really like that 3rd and 1 30 yard TD when the Titans stacked the box. It is not likely that Jones will be back with Rosenhaus as his agent - unless he wants to come back on a one year contract. As far as taking Dillon where they did - if you look at the draft there is not an outstanding wide receiver taken after Dillon playing this year. I didnt think that we really needed a wide out and after Love was taken the die was cast to best player available and if things continue to progress with Dillon it looks like a smart move. The Love thing is a we'll see project but even if we dont - we have a chance today for a first round bye without having spent a draft pick on a wideout
PeteK
January 01, 2021 at 05:31 pm
Davis from North Carolina might be a draft choice. They'll be playing Texas A&M tomorrow.