NFL Scouting Combine Preview for the Green Bay Packers: Running Backs
A significant component of Brian Gutekunst’s scouting method is the NFL Combine. Here is a look at over 20 of the best possibilities at running back, a position that the Packers may need a lot.
The dates of the NFL Scouting Combine are February 26–March 4. Employees from all 32 clubs will congregate in Indianapolis to witness some of their possible NFL Draft selections showcase their abilities.
Running back is one position that Brian Gutekunst, general manager of the Green Bay Packers, is interested in. Aaron Jones is returning, but with AJ Dillon set to hit free agency following a dismal campaign, the remainder of that position is up in the air.
There will be close to thirty running backs training at Lucas Oil Stadium. These are some of the best candidates’ information. Here is a list of every player who is currently exercising.
Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen
Resumé: In 2023, 69.5% of the yards gained during 20 career 100-yard running games occurred after contact. twice named to the Big Ten second team. 3,494 career running yards, which is seventh place in Wisconsin record book. 49 running backs in the draft class have 100 or more rushing attempts, according to Pro Football Focus. He grabbed 28 of 30 catches with just one drop, ranking 13th with 3.77 yards after contact per run. But of all the backs, only one had more than four fumbles.
How He Fits: Allen would be a perfect fit for the power-back position a la AJ Dillon. Despite his youth, Allen’s lengthy stride and interesting nature make him a viable long-term option in the Packers’ backfield. With an eye towards the future, Allen would probably be selected by the Packers as a short-term complement to Aaron Jones.
Resumé: In 2022, led the Big 12 with 8.1 yards per rush. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry while rushing for 2,161 yards in four seasons. In 2023, he recorded career-high 1,209 running yards, 25 catches, and nine touchdowns overall. He caught all 25 targeted passes and was third in yards after contact (3.68) and missed tackles (70), according PFF. Twice he staggered.
How He Fits: Bailey is a guy to keep an eye on in the 40-yard sprint, having previously excelled in track. The Packers might benefit from Bailey’s speed in their backfield, which is lacking in dynamic playmakers. Because of the inconsistency he faced during his collegiate career, Bailey is probably a Day 3 pick.
Unranked in the Brugler ranking.
From Florida State, Trey Benson
Resumé: All-ACC second team in 2022, 2023, 2023 The Bobby Bowden Leadership Award. Benson transferred to Florida State for his last two seasons at Oregon, where he played very little. In 2022, he ran for 990 yards (an average of 6.4 yards) and in 2023, for 906 yards (an average of 5.8) and 14 touchdowns. With 3.53 yards after contact per carry, he placed 22nd out of 49 backs with 100 carries. Although he had 29th-most carries, he had 20th-most missed tackles (45). He caught 20 of 24 passes without fumbling (three drops).
How He Fits: Benson had a light workload, raising questions about whether he could manage a more demanding schedule in the NFL. On the other hand, the tyre still has a lot of tread left. That would, however, be entirely consistent with their preferred usage of Aaron Jones throughout his career.
They would have more playmaking ability in the passing game, something they haven’t had since Matt LaFleur took over as coach, as Benson demonstrated an improvement in his ability to receive the ball out of the backfield.
How He Fits: Brooks would undoubtedly be the first running back off the board if it weren’t for an ACL injury sustained late in the season. He is still Brugler’s best running back, despite the injury.
Medicals will be the deciding factor for the Packers. To what extent do they find Brooks’ knee structure comfortable? Would they be prepared to risk a high draft pick on a player who would not see much action as a rookie, even if they felt comfortable doing so? If the answers to those questions are in the affirmative, adding Brooks to the roster on the second day of the draft may end up being a steal for the Packers.
According to Brugler, stylistically He is reminded of Kenyan Drake by Brooks, who made an appearance in Green Bay in 2023.
Brugler score: seventy.
Michigan’s Blake Corum
Resumé: Selected unanimously for the first team in 2022 and a two-time first-team All-American. In terms of running touchdowns (58), total touchdowns (61), and career points scored (356), Corum holds the records at Michigan. After rushing for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022, he finished sixth in the Heisman vote. In 2023, he ran for 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns, ranking seventh. 3,737 running yards, a 5.5 average, and 56 catches are part of his four-year totals. Despite being third in carries, he was a dismal 46th with 2.42 yards after contact per rush and 32nd in missed tackles. He made 16 out of 18 passes (one drop).
How He Fits: Corum is a tough runner who uses a violent cutting ability to make opposing defenders miss in the open field. He does not have the breakaway speed that some of his fellow draft classmates may possess, but there is not a more accomplished running back in this draft class.
Corum could pair with Aaron Jones early in his career, to help ease some of the concerns about his workload, with nearly 700 carries to his name in college, before being inserted into a full-time role whenever Jones moves on.
Brugler
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