Despite a Pro Bowl season from Josh Jacobs and over 500 rushing yards from backup Emanuel Wilson, the Green Bay Packers still ranked outside the top five in PFF’s ranking of the top NFL running back groups entering the 2025 season. PFF’s Dalton Wasserman placed the Packers at No. 7.
Could MarShawn Lloyd — a 2024 third-round pick who is returning from an incredibly unfortunate rookie season — help the Packers rise up the rankings and enter elite status this season?
This isn’t to take anything away from Wilson, who averaged 4.9 yards per carry, had a 59.2 percent success rate as a runner and scored five times during a breakout season behind Jacobs in 2024. He was terrific last season. But Lloyd has the explosiveness and big-play ability as both a runner and receiver that Wilson lacks, and Lloyd’s obvious talent — if unleashed as a second-year player — could help the Packers’ running back group take the step from great to elite in 2025.
From Wasserman: “Josh Jacobs put together an incredible first season in Green Bay. His 92.3 PFF overall grade ranked third among qualified running backs, and he was one of just two at the position, along with Bijan Robinson, to place in the top five in PFF rushing grade and PFF receiving grade. Behind Jacobs is Emanuel Wilson, who quietly recorded an excellent 86.3 PFF rushing grade in his second NFL campaign. If the Packers get anything this season from 2024 third-round pick Marshawn Lloyd, this is a unit that could boast elite top-end talent and depth.”
The Packers know Lloyd’s ability, but availability is as important as talent in pro football (see: Alexander, Jaire). As a rookie, Lloyd played in just one game while dealing with hip, ankle and hamstring injuries and also a late-season appendectomy. The 88th overall pick in the 2024 draft needs better luck on the injury front to finally showcase his talent in 2025.
“He definitely has some great explosiveness and could be a really valuable weapon out of the backfield,” coach Matt LaFleur said during minicamp. “We saw that when he was healthy. He’s a guy that’s got to prove it.”
Lloyd is healthy and was a full participant to end the offseason workout program. The next step is getting through training camp without a hiccup and entering the regular season with a healthy body and a role behind Jacobs.
The six teams ahead of the Packers in the running back rankings? The Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All six are deep in difference-making options. The Packers have Jacobs, who had an elite season in 2024, and Wilson will attempt to build on an efficient and productive 2024 season, but Lloyd’s return could be the final puzzle piece for one of the NFL’s best running back groups entering 2025.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: RB MarShawn Lloyd could help Packers rise up this ranking in 2025
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
