Searching for an Aaron Jones-type RB
Draft has some possibilities.
By KenLass
As the Green Bay Packers roster currently stands, the top two running backs on the team are Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon. Both are of the same basic style, power runners who pass block well and have the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Neither, however, is what you would call a home run threat, a slashing, speed type ball carrier who can outrun a secondary to the end zone. In other words, an Aaron Jones type.
Both general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur say they will continue to use a multi-running back philosophy this coming season. Jacobs will be the starter and main weapon. Dillon can give him a rest now and then. But if the committee approach is truly going to be successful, the Packers need to add an Aaron Jones-type talent. And that player is likely going to have to come from the draft.
With five picks in the first three rounds, Green Bay has enough draft capital to address this need on the first two days of the draft. This is especially true considering most mock drafts have no RBs being picked in the first round. If that plays out, it means the highest rated RB prospects may still be on the board when Green Bay selects in the second round at picks 41 and 58.
Aaron Jones, picked in the fifth round, turned out to be one of best ball carriers in franchise history. After watching many highlight clips and poring through personal stats, here are the RBs at the top of this draft class that remind me most of Jones. I’m not saying any of them will be as good as Jones. I’m just pointing out their styles, and the skills they bring to the table, are similar.
Trey Benson
This would be the knock it out of the park selection. The Florida State star is a bigger, more powerful version of Jones, but with the same wiggle and explosion. At six feet tall and 216 pounds, Benson flashed a 4.39 in the forty at the Combine. He also caught the ball well and was a terror on screen passes for the Seminoles. Benson is at, or near, the top of all RB rankings in this draft, so if the Packers like him, they would likely have to take him at pick 41. He won’t be there at pick 58.
Blake Corum
Yes, he is very small at five foot eight, but he still packs 213 pounds on his frame and seems to be able to take a beating and keep on rolling. You wouldn’t want him to be your workhorse, but in Green Bay he might be the perfect change of pace slasher the team needs. Terrific shake and direction reversal in the open field. His style is the definition of explosive. Can catch the ball. His size may put him at a disadvantage when it comes to pass protection, but he was born to catch screens and turn them into big plays. Was the lead back for national champion Michigan and made several clutch runs for them.
Bucky Irving
Number one back in that explosive Oregon offense. Not as big a frame as Corum, weighing in at just 192 pounds at five foot nine. Also not quite as fast, turning in a forty time of 4.55. But he can get to that top speed the instant he touches the ball. Exceptional vision to the hole, and the cutback skill to get through it. Breaks a surprising amount of tackles considering his thin body. Can be a high volume pass catcher. Looks designed to be a third down back in the NFL. He’s also more likely to still be there in round three. Here again, would he be able to pass protect? Would he even be called upon to do so?
With other needs to fill, Gutekunst may well choose to address the running back position on day three. He might try to repeat the strategy of his predecessor, Ted Thompson, whom he admires, and draft multiple ball carriers in the late rounds. In 2017 Thompson took Jamal Williams in round four, Jones in round five, and Devante Mays in round seven. Williams and Jones were both hits and served as an effective thunder and lightning combination for four years.
Gutey told beat writers at the owners’ meetings this week that the 2024 draft class is deep in running backs and the team will be looking to add to that unit. He may not unearth another Aaron Jones, but it’s a pretty good bet that is the type of back he will be searching for.
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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 (76)
MooPack
March 29, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Alberta_Packer and I were just talking about this in another thread today. I think we're being tracked AP.
AP reminded me of Tyrone Tracy. Give him a long look. If anyone looks A. Jones esque, it's Tracy.
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2024 at 12:08 pm
A bunch of Aaron Jones-like guys in this draft: Austin Jones even is another A. Jones! Irving, Holani, and others too. The one I think is the MOST like Aaron Jones is Ray Davis.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Marshawn Lloyd. Everyone's sleeping on him and it needs to stop.
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Lloyd’s great! I just picked him this morning in a mock draft, but I don’t think he’s very similar to Aaron Jones. He’s a different style.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2024 at 01:23 pm
Blake Watson, Kimani Vidal. The New Offenses want to get guys into space fast and create.
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2024 at 03:15 pm
Yep, those two as well.
gsd3
March 29, 2024 at 12:10 pm
Keep in mind that Jones ran a 4.56 at the combine. Tracy is a former receiver, so the ball skills are there.
Coldworld
March 29, 2024 at 02:31 pm
Jones was never fast in terms of long speed, it was his burst, agility, flexibility and vision combined that just made holes and got him around the edge.
Benson has way more long speed, but while he’s got quick feet he’s much stiffer than Jones. Really not very similar. He’s a back with good straight line burst and great top speed not a guy who can find holes where they are none or simply squirt through players.
I’m not opposed to a Benson type instead of a Jones type— think he could be a great variation on Jacobs with a little overlap to confuse—but I bet he gets way over drafted for us. Guerendo might be a later option on that type.
The better Jones type analogies come later, as Jones did and they normally do, because they aren’t work horse backs. However, none of them are good in protection (Benson is perhaps the closest). Jones became a 3 down back by mastering that exceptionally well for a smaller man. LaFleur won’t play true RBs who he doesn’t fully trust in protection. How that changes the probability of drafting one, I don’t know.
crayzpackfan
March 29, 2024 at 03:22 pm
Why can't we just have a Josh Jacobs running back now, while drafting a new running back to be called by his actual name? Are we still looking for the next Jim Taylor? Why do we as a society always have to compare new stuff to old stuff?
Last I checked, Carrying the G meant honoring the old while rooting for the new (individual). We usually let them carve their own path here in GB. Why does ANYONE at the RB position have to be the next A. Jones?
I don't give a crap if they run like him or look like him. Gain yards, help us win, do it your way, your name goes on a GB jersey in the Packer Pro Shop and A.J. has absolutely NOTHING to do with it.
Sorry for venting. But this whole "we need the next A.J. thing" seems morbid to me. I'm truly sorry. I hated to see him go. But he is gone. Let's let the new group be who they are.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 29, 2024 at 03:31 pm
Agree; this gets so tiring, seeing people compare current WRs to WRs of the past in Green and Gold. Same with RBs. It's ridiculous.
PhantomII
March 30, 2024 at 10:21 am
You are replacing an electric runner in the pass or run game...Plus an Awesome team mate and player who carved up defenses in a way most do not...#5-6 ALL TIME per carry. We lost an amazing player and human being. Fans want someone to be all of those things....They will not be....AJ....But you are right, they will have to write their own story....Just probably not as good or loved.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 03:59 pm
Jones ran a 4.49 at the combine. Ran slower at his pro day.
https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/858438716607672323?t=FxL91zmano8g8fa...
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2024 at 12:24 pm
You didnt even mention the most Aaron Jones-esque rb in this draft: Marshawn Lloyd. Hes a carbon copy of Jones. Just didnt get a ton of work cuz he was stuck on a pass happy vertical offense. Dudes gonna be a player. Gonna go way higher than all the mock simulators are projecting him to go.
Cheezehead72
March 29, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Not sure if that is who I want the Packers to get. He has an injury history. That is not good for any football player but especially a RB. He has ball security issues. His pass protection needs a lot of work.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 29, 2024 at 03:32 pm
There are no carbon copy humans.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 04:29 pm
I wouldn't call Lloyd a carbon copy but he reminds me the most of Jones of all the guys I've watched in this years class as far as quickness in and out of cuts and ability to get to the open field. 7.1 yards a carry behind a mediocre OL compared to Corom's 4.8 YPC behind the best or 2nd best line in college last year. I've read a lot of USC fans comments that they would have had a better season if they had given Lloyd a bigger workload.
The other guy that has a lot of similarities with Jones is Vidal. Little bowling ball with great balance that is shifty but will also be physical and pick up that extra yard or two.
golfpacker1
March 29, 2024 at 04:51 pm
LL its going to come down to what the Packers want in a RB this year. Gutey has clearly stated several times he wants a "Big" RB. Then he scored Jacobs and lost Jones, so I would guess we need a shifty, fast, make people miss type RB.
Benson, Brooks, Wright, Lloyd, Irving, Corum, Shipley and Ray Davis are the TOP RBs like that. Most of these guys can make people miss and they get yards after contact too.
If more of a power back is wanted then Benson, Guerendo, Allen, Estime, and Isaiah Davis come to mind. More than a few do both. These guys truck people and get yards after contact.
The biggest skill they all have this year is the ability to catch the ball, and they all do it really well. Usually only about 3 or 4 have that ability, everyone does this year.
While all the RBs catch really well, what we don't know is if they can block. But that's a skill they can learn, so that doesn't rule them out.
I predict we will not draft an RB in the first 2 rounds this year. We also won't wait until the #169 pick like some have said because that is virtually the 6th round, and you can kiss the TOP 15 RBs goodbye by then. We will probably select RB with #88, or #91, or with an early 4th round pick if we trade back from the 3rd round to gain 2 more mid-round picks. Picking one in the late 3rd or early 4th still gives us all but about 5 to choose from.
Hopefully we don't trade away all of our 6ths and 7ths as some have suggested so we can move up, because with one of those we can select a RB that has fallen. Isaiah Davis, George Holani, Tyrone Tracy, Blake Watson, Dillon Johnson and Cody Schrader could all fit this scenario.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Trey Benson would be awesome but he may go in Day 2. Thinking Gutie has greater Day 2 priorities.
Corum is OK but he's more like a Jacobs and Dillon between the tackles RB. Thinking Gutie is looking more for an outside, long-speed RB with receiver abilities.
Bucky Irving is undersized. Gutie is probably looking for a 3-down back - who is capable in pass pro. Irving is not very good in pass pro. This, IMO, disqualifies him as a 3-down back.
splitpea1
March 29, 2024 at 12:38 pm
As noted in the Polluted Mindset article ("Returner Evaluations"), this type of back could also be very useful for new kickoff return alignments, providing he has good hands. Corum seems like he might be a good fit for this role. His shorter height doesn't give me any pause at all if the Packers selected him.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Thinking that the discussion(s) would eventually turn to RBs - I compiled my Top 10 list based on the criteria that the RB must be (for Gutie); athletic, of adequate height and weight, good receiver, capable in pass pro and of proven college performance. Thus projecting as an every down NFL RB. So:
1. Trey Benson
2. Jaylen Wright
3. Jonathon Brooks
4. Tyrone Tracey Jr.
5. Marshawn Lloyd
6. Blake Corum
7. Braelon Allen
8. Ray Davis
9. Audric Estime
10. Isaac Gurenedo
Leatherhead
March 29, 2024 at 01:11 pm
I think your Top 3 are a level up on what follows
Blake Corum is not small, he weighs 215 lbs or so. He's short, at 5'8''. Does anybody remember Sproles?
Since I'm theorizing that whoever we take isn't really going to play much this year, it doesn't really make a lot of sense to use a high pick on a guy.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 02:30 pm
I think Corum is an NFL RB - even potentially a good one. In some ways he reminds me of Jacobs. My thinking is that Gutekunst will be looking for more of a long speed, downfield threat - which is not Corum's calling.
jannesbjornson
March 30, 2024 at 12:19 pm
These guys know where and how to cut to the openings. Larry Brown for the Palefaces was solid, just get the big horses out in front of the RB. Cory Schrader gets little respect, but he was a first team All-American for a reason.
He's a guy I would poach if he falls past rd four. He gets the ball across the LOS and scores TDs.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2024 at 01:30 pm
Gutey's track record is Dillon, Kylin Hill, Dexter(GED) Williams, and Nicholls last season. Not much of a track record. If he wants a designated pass pro guy, he has Dillon. He needs to hit on a guy who can take it to the house. I back Bucky Irving.
stockholder
March 29, 2024 at 01:37 pm
I wouldn't - Look for Jones.
I'd look for Ahmad Green.
We need yards.
Thats why Dillion was drafted.
But he was a failure- so far
Johnblood27
March 29, 2024 at 01:45 pm
AhmaN Green.
Fumbler?
Great speed and tuff
I always liked him except for when he was beatin' his ol' lady.
stockholder
March 29, 2024 at 01:46 pm
They fixed that when he wore a sleeve.
Johnblood27
March 29, 2024 at 02:28 pm
The sleeve made him slap his wife around?
Coldworld
March 29, 2024 at 02:39 pm
The nearest analogy to Green on this team and in the draft is Jacobs. So a change of heart on him?
If we are drafting a RB it’s not likely he will play much this year, as has been said. It’s not a great class, though it might be for Jones types, but how much will we invest in one we have to teach to protect? I’d say a late pick, maybe 2. That’s passing on players I like, but hoping one or two fall.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 07:02 pm
Ahman was much faster than Jacobs. 4.43 40 and players have only gotten faster generally.
Coldworld
March 30, 2024 at 10:44 am
Jacobs’ initially had a 4.64 40-yard dash time, which did promote some skepticism. However, during Alabama’s 2nd Pro Day he improved his numbers to 4.52 seconds. Green, slightly smaller, was certainly faster, at 4.44, but not enough difference to get me hugely excited. Jacobs is on a par with Derrick Henry’s 40 time, though Henry is, of course, bigger.
My point was that he remains the best analogy for Ahman in terms of style on this roster or among those in the draft. I’ve never been a big Jacobs proponent, but he’s produced on some pretty poor offenses. Just seeking to anchor some of the wilder perspectives.
Overall, on a tangent, I’m not sure your statement that RBs have got faster holds up over recent decades on a pound-for-pound basis. It’s true that more lighter types have got playing time as the bell cow back was replaced by tandems. Most times of successful backs seem to be in the same low 4.4s to mid 4.5 window. Not many Barry Sanders out there with sub 4.4 times
jannesbjornson
March 30, 2024 at 12:30 pm
They run wide-zone, not a power-gap schemes as Green ran. He was another one-cut and go guy. I want a guy who can change direction multiple times in a hurry and move to daylight. They have the Green guy with Jacobs.
Dillon has been defined by this team as a guy who can catch out of the backfield and play fullback. Two RBs from this draft. I would snag three.
golfpacker1
March 29, 2024 at 04:01 pm
Tyrone Tracy is clearly your favorite guy Alberta. Honestly, on that list, he is #10. For you to not include Bucky Irving on your list is ludicrous. Tracey is actually rated barely Top 20 as a RB this year.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 04:23 pm
Tracey is my favorite Tier 2 RB - after the top 3 (Tier 1).
On my list - you have to be able to pass pro. That is why Bucky Irving and Will Shipley were not included.
There are many lists ranking the RBs in this year's draft. There seems to be a consensus as to who are the top 3 or 4. Afterwards, rankings are all over the place. This is not surprising as RBs tend to be more difficult to order than most other positions.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 07:04 pm
Irving won't be a Packer so why include him?
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 08:33 pm
He's not on my Top Ten list. Nor do I think that the Packers will draft him - as he seems to be closer to a Tyler Goodson than an Aaron Jones to me.
golfpacker1
March 29, 2024 at 08:56 pm
Being a Hawkeye fan, I saw Tyler Goodson a lot. And he is nothing like Bucky Irving. Goodson would fall down if someone blew at him, and he never made people miss like Irving does. And I guarantee you Goodson didn't have 750 yards after contact in 3 years @ Iowa, let alone 1 year like Irving.
Irving will not stay @ 190 lbs if he is drafted by GB. He will end up as big as AJ. He and Wright are the closest to AJ clones. Next is Marshawn Lynch but he is heavier.
I would venture a guess that most of us posters have no idea if any of these RBs are good blockers. We run a fullback @ Iowa and I don't even watch him block. These RBs were on their respective teams to gain yards and score TDs, not to block. They can be taught.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 11:38 pm
I thought my Goodson comparable might draw a reply from you gp1. As the self-proclaimed Chairman of the Tyrone Tracey Jr. Appreciation Society - I truly understand your vigorous promotion of Irving. Of course we won't know the verdict - as to who is more attractive to the GMs until draft day (to be determined by which RB is selected higher than the other). So another bit of intrigue to look forward on Draft Day.
golfpacker1
March 30, 2024 at 09:04 am
Hey Alberta, I am familiar with Tracey as he was a Hawkeye for several years. When he transferred to Purdue I actually complimented his courage to bet on himself to resurrect his career at another school. He finished strong and he will be drafted this year. Tracey is talented but I just don't rate him as high as you do because he basically has 1 year of tape.
Irving is smaller in size but runs bigger especially in the yards after contact. So I like him better. The good news is, as long as GB doesn't wait until the 5th round to draft one, we will get a really talented RB that will help us win.
jannesbjornson
March 30, 2024 at 12:38 pm
These backs are built for the New Offenses. Quick and low to the ground to cut fast and snap knees. It would be wise to secure a guy similar to Kyle Juszczyk to create terror and mismatch on the wide-zone and upfield on the wheel routes.
gsd3
March 30, 2024 at 10:31 am
What I've noticed while doing mocks on various sites is that the 1st back pretty much comes off the board in the low 50's. Usually Brooks or Benson, Generally followed by Wright anywhere from 70 to 80. A run on backs starts around 90 and by the end of the 4th everyone on the list is gone. Including Irving and Shipley.
Referring to alberta packers top 10 list.
Oppy
March 29, 2024 at 01:25 pm
There was a time when I'm sure Packers fans were clamoring for the next Taylor-type, Bennet or Levens type, Green type, maybe even Lacy type running back, otherwise how in the world could the offense ever expect to work?
I'm less concerned with finding another back with Aaron Jones-like skill set. There's more than one way to skin the proverbial cat. We just need football players who can add something to the team and be utilized effectively by the offense. I wouldn't care in the least if the Packers added a big, bullish, slow plodding running back, so long as he went out there, moved the chains, scored TD's, and did whatever the team asked him to do with everything he's got.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 02:08 pm
A big, bullish chain mover? May I recommend Jakobi Buchanan from Army - 6'0" 250 lbs. (one of Coldworld's finds). Also known to his team mates as "4th and Jacobi."
Oppy
March 29, 2024 at 07:23 pm
That's a fantastic nickname- not just for Jakobi, but for ANY running back... named Jakobi. lol. That's fantastic.
For what it's worth, I'm not saying I want that type of back, I'm just saying if they don't add an "Aaron Jones-type back" it doesn't mean we can't be productive from the RB position.
GregC
March 29, 2024 at 01:31 pm
Wait, is Josh Jacobs not considered to be a home run threat? If not, how did he lead the league in rushing yards two years ago? There seems to be this idea out there that he is a plodding power back.
Anyway, I'm not sure that the Packers are looking for another Aaron Jones type of RB. I think they will take the best RB available when they decide to pick one, and with the emphasis LaFleur puts on pass protection, it will more likely be a bigger back. Hopefully they can find one who has breakaway speed.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 02:19 pm
Josh Jacobs is a home run threat. However I believe that the Packers will be mindful not to overuse Jacobs over a long season. That is why I think that Gutekunst will take a RB - who is potentially another home run hitter - so as not to lose that dynamic - whenever Jacobs is not on the field. Because we have seen that A.J. Dillon can't provide that kind of threat.
GregC
March 29, 2024 at 02:45 pm
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking. And when I look back on the last 30 years, Aaron Jones was an exception. The Packers have had a strong tendency to use power backs. Not necessarily huge ones, but RBs who run with power and block well. Jones was a 5th round draft pick, and no matter how well he played, his number of snaps and carries was always limited.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 04:18 pm
He led the league on volume, his 4.8 yards a carry that season is very average for a league leading rushers.
2013- McCoy 5.1 Avg 314 carries.
2014- Murray 4.7 Avg 392(!) carries
2015-Peterson 4.5 Avg 327 carries
2016-Elliott 5.1 Avg 322 carries
2017-Hunt 4.9 Avg 272 carries
2018-Elliott 4.7 Avg 304 carries
2019-Henry 5.1 Avg 303 carries
2020-Henry 5.4 Avg 378 carries
2021-Taylor 5.5 Avg 332 carries
2022-Jacobs 4.8 AVg 340 carries
2023-McCaffrey 5.4 Avg 272 carries
4th lowest average on the 3rd most carries. Taylor had 150+ more yards on 8 less carries.
GregC
March 29, 2024 at 05:37 pm
Okay, so for a league leading rusher, he was pretty crappy. Only a little better than Adrian Peterson. I'll take it!
Coldworld
March 29, 2024 at 06:19 pm
LaFleur won’t use him that heavily, based not only on past practice but recent statements. That should help not only with health but burst and speed. It’s pretty difficult to get Jones like ypc when you are running the ball up the gut that many times a game. Jones had a back with him to do a lot of the hard yard grind. Ahman Green’s ypc for his career was 4.5. There are two sides to that stat.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 07:12 pm
Jacobs career YPC is 4.2 and that doesn't go up as they get older. Green's lowest was 4.3 in 1st 7 years and his big year it was 5.3 YPC.
I don't think he's a bad back, I just don't think he's worth what they're going to pay him. They could have found two guys that could average 4.8 YPC for half the price.
Oppy
March 29, 2024 at 08:19 pm
There were only eight players in the league in 2023 who averaged 4.8 YPC (Minimum 6 rushes per game scheduled), and two of them were QBs.
Again, I get that you're not a fan of Jacobs, but I think maybe your outlook is a bit.. skewed.. in terms of how you're looking at the data.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 08:54 pm
The year before 12 RBs had an equal or better YPC average than Jacobs. How many in '23 had a better average than Jacob's 3.5? I know of one on his own team.
Oppy
March 29, 2024 at 08:04 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what you've just posted is a list of every #1 running back in terms of production from each season for the last 10 seasons..
And Josh Jacobs's YPC ranked 7th in that list of league-leading running backs. Those are the best of the best, most productive seasons for a RB over the last ten years.
So.. of your list of the last decades league-leading rushing performance broken down by YPC, the Packers just signed the the RB on that list who had the league leading rushing performance with the 7th best YPC ...
...and paid him a salary that makes him the 6th highest paid RB in the NFL.
That doesn't seem outlandish or over-paid.
It's also extremely team friendly in structure, making it a cap-healthy contract the Packers will be able to more easily walk away from if/when the time comes.
I understand you're not thrilled with the selection of Josh Jones, but it doesn't look like the Packers overpaid him.
He did take a lot of carries in 2022 when he led the league, but he's more than just a volume back. He has a great ability to run through contact and has great balance and vision. He's also a good receiver out of the back field.
Only time will tell how he pans out, but his salary doesn't look egregious to me.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 10:19 pm
Leading the league in rushing doesn't necessarily make you the best of the best if it's due more to volume than efficiency.
Oppy
March 30, 2024 at 08:14 am
He was running behind an iffy OL vs. defense who knew he was going to be taking the hand off more often than not.
I guess we’ll see how he plays in 2024. Tape looks good to go to me.
I think you are going to be surprised what he’ll produce in this offense - where he won’t have to tote the rock every down and defenses respect the pass.
Johnblood27
March 29, 2024 at 01:47 pm
Im going with that crazy canuck Alberta Packer.
Wright or Benson would roll my socks down.
They are my One - Two wishes.
Lloyd or Davis are my second wave.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 02:24 pm
Thank you Jb27. As a former hockey player and still occasional skier - I'll take the "crazy canuck" moniker as a compliment.
Johnblood27
March 29, 2024 at 02:27 pm
I am a huge hockey guy.
My Bruins are perennial bridesmaids, but they play with great heart.
Been to the Saddledome a few times, when that flame goes off you can feel the heat!
I ski Whitefish every year, love the Flathead Valley!
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 02:40 pm
I'm a 15 minute walk from the Saddledome. Whitefish was one of my favorite ski hills. Because of its location it never got too crowded - which made for many runs in a single day. As a Leafs fan - I envy you.
Johnblood27
March 29, 2024 at 09:27 pm
OMG - The leaves, ...or Maple Loafs...
Wow Alberta, get on the McGOD bandwagon and jump to the Oilers!
They're not gonna win it all either, but they are a much more likeable bunch!
Alberta_Packer
March 30, 2024 at 10:35 am
I would be in violation of a Calgary bylaw if I rooted for Edmonton.
Johnblood27
March 31, 2024 at 07:00 am
...but...
The Flames are just woeful...
...and nobody wants to play there!
Bkenitz04
March 29, 2024 at 02:24 pm
So you use a picture of Dylan Laube, but then don't include him in the write up. He is one that I think could definitely be a Jones type player. At 5'10 and 210lbs he's a smaller school RB who has experience catching out of the backfield or the slot, and also has experience as a returner. He runs behind his pads, has above average vision, runs good routs, has good hands, and impressed a ton at the senior bowl. I think he could go as high as round 4, and don't be surprised if it is the Packers taking him.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 03:42 pm
My question with Laube is his tendency to bounce his runs to the outside. Uncertain on his ability as a between-the-tackles RB.
golfpacker1
March 29, 2024 at 04:05 pm
Laube impressed in the Senior Bowl 'Drills" BK. When he got in the game, he looked lost and overmatched.
Rhambo53
March 29, 2024 at 02:50 pm
Jaylen Wright.
golfpacker1
March 29, 2024 at 04:15 pm
How many of you have actually seen any of the 2024 NFL Draft RBs block more than 3 plays? I am serious, I will bet not one of you has focused on the blocking ability of even your favorite college teams RBs. I am a Iowa Hawkeye fan, we actually use a fullback and I never paid attention to his blocking. I am sure he was good at it because you don't play for Kirk Ferentz until you can block competently. The only time the focus is on a RBs blocking is when he misses one.
If you guys are going to base our RB choice on "Blocking" only, then you are narrowing our choices to almost no one. Almost all of the "Bellcow" RBs in the draft have not had to block very much at all. Their jobs have been to run the ball, catch the ball and score TDs. I almost sounded like the baseball manager from the movie Major League right there.
Just because these RBs haven't blocked much does not mean they can't or can't learn. Most NFL RBs block by slowing the rusher down, very seldom do they flat out "Stone" a pass rusher. If that's the guy you want, then just draft Braelon Allen-Wisconsin. He can learn how to block, and probably as good as any in this draft, and he runs well and catches well and scores TDs. The majority of the Top 10 RBs this year will be successful NFL RBs if they stay healthy.
If blocking is the most important thing, then draft the Army fullback that Alberta likes. He can't catch the ball but he can block, so he is like a one-armed A J Dillon.
Alberta_Packer
March 29, 2024 at 04:48 pm
A good point - that RB1s don't have to block as often. However when required to do so - they should do it as well as when Aaron Jones blocked Micah Parsons.
Also I like the thought of a Jakobi Buchanan on a 4th and 1. Particularly given the Offence's poor record on this and goal line downs. Also it would be fun to see how a FB of this type -could block, plow, smash and rumble over the frozen tundra during the deep winter. I wouldn't commit a draft choice. As a UDFA? Definitely.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2024 at 07:31 pm
"I am a Iowa Hawkeye fan"
I'm sorry, but we all have our crosses to bear.
golfpacker1
March 29, 2024 at 09:07 pm
It's been tough watching Iowa football the last 3 years when we had the ball during the games. I can't even call it watching an offense because it wasn't. All of our best players on offense got hurt, as well as one really important defensive player.
I will bet you non Hawkeye fans don't know how Cooper DeJean broke his leg. Our offense sucked so badly, and since Cooper was an offensive stud in high school, people were demanding he play 5-10 plays per game on offense. He broke his Tibia while practicing with the offense. And now you know the rest of the story.
gsd3
March 30, 2024 at 10:35 am
Blocking and pass protect is a learned skill. Not many Moe Williams left out there.
PhantomII
March 29, 2024 at 06:38 pm
Wright from Tenn is an ideal Jones replacement...but faster. He has great vision, speed, wiggle and good hands. He ran a 4.38- 40 and was shaking his head side to side as he ran much slower than he expected to. If we could get him with our top #2 pick, it would do a lot to fix the RB department with a couple bruisers and pure speed and twitch at RB... I believe 4-RB's will go in the 2nd round and Wright will be one of them. Enough of this B.S we can get a RB in any round stuff. Wright is RIGHT with me, and we can roll with him into the playoffs....GPG. .....OT / RB / IOL / IOL /....S / LB / CB
Idaho Cheese
March 29, 2024 at 09:49 pm
Watching tape on Rasheen Ali reminds me of AJones style of upperbody flow cutting and gliding. He has his baggage (injuries top of that list) but he reminds me of Jones' style of running much more than any other back I've seen tape on. He is a little taller and a touch lighter, but just a little in both.
PhantomII
March 31, 2024 at 10:57 am
We should double down at RB also....It should not be too hard to get a better 1A/B RB in the 2nd RD.
DragonSilk
April 01, 2024 at 05:06 pm
Corum has a nose for the end zone. Michigan's all time TD leader.