Key Takeaways:
– The Green Bay Packers have high expectations from rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, drawing comparisons with Aaron Jones.
– Lloyd’s potential as a rusher and pass-catcher have earned him the Packers’ attention.
– Despite notable issues with ball security, Lloyd’s explosive speed and agility could make him a vital part of the Packers’ offensive strategy.
– In the race to become the Packers’ RB2, Lloyd faces competition from Josh Jacobs, Emmanuel Wilson, AJ Dillon, and undrafted free agent, Jarveon Howard.
The Green Bay Packers’ Rookie on the Rise
MarShawn Lloyd, the Green Bay Packers’ fresh recruit, has already made an impression. His style of play mirrors that of Aaron Jones, attracting significant attention within the organization. Reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggest that the Green Bay Packers hope to capitalize on Lloyd’s rushing capabilities, and his forte of catching passes from the backfield. High expectations are riding on the young player as he begins his rookie minicamp.
A Closer Look at MarShawn Lloyd
Lloyd emerged as a strong offensive player in the 2023 season with the USC Trojans. Before that, he left a mark in the 2022 season playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks, boasting a record of 11 total touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per rush. His tenure at USC didn’t lead to a College Football Playoff berth but reinforced his position as a dynamic contributor with nine touchdowns and a staggering 7.1 yards per carry for a total of 820 yards.
At 220 pounds and 5’8″ tall, Lloyd’s tenacity and speed offset his relatively small frame. His grit to sustain through contact coupled with his knack to capitalize on any openings make him a valuable player. His Relative Athletic Score of 8.62 out of a possible 10 positions him as the 264th player among the 1903 running backs from 1987 to 2024.
However, his jittery ball security, largely credited to his relatively small hand size (8.75 inches), remains a concern. Yet, his fast and explosive nature can add depth to the Packers’ offense.
The Race for RB2 in the Green Bay Packers Lineup
While Lloyd’s potential is undeniable, he will face tough competition in the Packers’ camp. Josh Jacobs, the leading rusher of 2022 with 1,653 yards and a contract of $48 million for four years, is the expected starting running back.
Lloyd seems to be a favorite for the RB2 position, but he faces stiff competition. Emmanuel Wilson, an undrafted free agent from last season, impressed with an average of 6.1 yards per carry on limited touches and could stake a claim for the RB2 slot.
AJ Dillon, despite a career-low of 3.4 yards per carry last season, could still be a contender with his weight making him useful in short-yardage situations. Moreover, undrafted free agent Jarveon Howard, known for his ability to shake off tackles, could also compete for a position during the training camp. Still, none of these players can match Lloyd’s unique blend of speed and agility.
Even as Lloyd strives to navigate the competition, his unique ability to bring explosive plays to the table makes him an exciting prospect for the Green Bay Packers, who look forward to grooming him into an instrumental player for their team.