With the second running back role behind Aaron Jones vacant at the moment, Emanuel Wilson could get a real shot at earning those snaps.
In a recent article from Matthew Berry of NBC Sports, he went through 25 things he heard – or rumors – from the NFL Scouting Combine.
At No. 16 on Berry’s list was the Packers’ running back situation, in which he wrote that AJ Dillon was probably not returning, Jones is going to be back, and that the Packers like Wilson, which could result in Wilson having the opportunity to earn those secondary running back snaps.
Wilson, a 2023 undrafted rookie out of D-II Fort Valley State, came out of nowhere last summer, making the 53-man roster.
As the third running back on the roster, who also missed time with a shoulder injury, Wilson’s role was small last season, which was also to be expected as he still needed time to continue developing and adjusting to the NFL.
Wilson played 33 offensive snaps, according to PFF, and carried the ball 26 times, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, which included two runs of more than 10 yards.
What the Packers need in that second running back role is more juice behind Jones. Although Dillon was reliable, he lacked playmaking with the ball in his hands and the ability to create for himself, averaging just 3.4 yards per rush in 2023.
Although it was a small sample size, between the preseason and Wilson’s regular-season opportunities, he showcased his burst and some elusiveness.
“I’d say mentally, honestly,” said Wilson of where he saw the most growth in his first season. “Just sitting back, asking the guys questions about pass protection and really the running the scheme to. Having my mental reps is the most important thing for me.”
Having that ability in the backfield to pick up chunk plays changes how the defense defends an offense. It forces more defenders near the line of scrimmage, thus opening up opportunities in the passing game.
This was an element that was missing when Jones wasn’t on the field last season. With the Packers, once again, going to be mindful of Jones’ snap count in 2024, there will be a lot of plays where he isn’t on the field.
Along with what Wilson brings as a ball carrier, both Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur have mentioned on several occasions the importance of the second and third running backs being able to hold their own in pass protection and has pass catchers.
Wilson was able to catch five of the six passes thrown his way last season for 34 yards, but this aspect, along with pass-blocking, were big factors in the learning curve that he was navigating as a rookie.
“I just think it’s, there’s a learning curve for every young player in this league,” said LaFleur in October prior to the Denver game, “and you just kind of have to prove it through practice. He’s a talented guy, no question about it. But it’s just that trust that he can go out there no matter what the defense gives us that he’s going to be able to go out there and execute.
“Because it’s not just running the football. It’s protections, it’s all that. I think he’s progressing nicely. We’ll give him more opportunities throughout practice in order for him to be able to go out there and do it in a game.”
Deservedly so, Jordan Love and the passing game garnered much of the attention during the Packers’ second half of the season, but an improved run game was a key element in unlocking the overall potential of the offense.
Along with Wilson getting a chance to earn playing time behind Jones, Berry added that the Packers may also be in the mix for adding a running back in the early portion of Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
