Will Emanuel Wilson secure the RB3 spot?
Wilson turned in an impressive performance against the Bengals Friday night.
By rex.sheild
The old adage in the National Football League is, don’t overreact to individual preseason results. So many players have struck lightning during preseason contests over the years, only to severely fizzle out during regular season play or not make the roster entirely. With that as a backdrop, it would be an overreaction to proclaim Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson as an up-and-coming running back ready to take the league by storm. A massive overreaction, actually. Instead, a proper reaction to Wilson’s recent performance (more on that below) might be: will Wilson secure the RB3 spot on the initial 53-man roster for head coach Matt LaFleur’s squad?
Wilson turned heads Friday night in the team’s first preseason game of the season, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown scamper. He finished the night with 111 yards for two touchdowns in only six carries, as he displayed vision and patience as well as top-end speed to differentiate himself from the other running backs vying for the potential RB3 spot, such as Patrick Taylor (six carries for 19 yards) and Tyler Goodson (three carries for two yards and a touchdown). All in all, Wilson registered a team-best Pro Football Focus grade of 93.5, which is considered “elite” by PFF standards (h/t @JacobMorley).
.@1kEmanuelWilson showing off the speed 🔥
📺: #GBvsCIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/ls44nPa5bc— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023
the vision & cut by undrafted rookie Emanuel Wilson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YKtZyPIC9M
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 13, 2023
Fort Valley State alum/Packers rookie RB Emanuel Wilson with an 11 yard TOUCHDOWN! 🔥
— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) August 12, 2023
The performance was not only significant because it was the undrafted rookie’s first live in-game NFL action, but also because of the date it took place on. His father passed away 14 years to the day Friday. “I can’t really explain the emotions, but I just know that he’s proud of me for reaching my goals and everything I did in life,” Wilson said after the game.
Wilson has two more game opportunities to show LaFleur and his staff that he is an NFL-caliber running back worthy of a spot on the opening-day roster, and it is possible, if not likely, he sees plenty of action. Goodson left Friday’s game with a shoulder injury, and seventh-round selection Lew Nichols has reportedly not practiced since injuring his shoulder in practice almost two weeks ago.
Two areas that LaFleur wants to see improvement from Wilson are his pass-catching ability and pass protection. "Not that he's done a bad job (in those areas), you want to see the consistency," LaFleur said Sunday.
If Wilson continues to perform at, or at the very least, near the level he performed at against the Bengals and improves in the aforementioned areas, is he guaranteed a spot on the initial 53-man roster? He has to prove his worth on special teams first. "Whoever the third back is has to have a role on (special) teams. I haven't been on too many teams where they aren't a key contributor in that facet of the game, and that's usually ... a big learning curve for a lot of young players, especially when you're a star player at your school." LaFleur said. "You're not getting a lot of those reps, so we got to put him in those situations in practice and hopefully he can continue to improve and grow and be a force there."
In his first season at the helm, general manager Brian Gutekunst technically only kept two running backs on the initial 53-man roster in 2018 (Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery). That should come with an asterisk because Aaron Jones was suspended for the first two games of the season after pleading no contest to possession of marijuana.
In 2019, 2020, and 2021, the Packers had at least three running backs on their initial 53-man roster. They only had two running backs on the initial 53-man roster last season.
- 2019 (LaFleur's first season): Dexter Williams was RB3 to start the season. He played in 35% of the snaps on special teams in the four games he appeared in. RB Tyler Ervin was picked up late in the season and also appeared in four games, playing in 36% of the snaps on special teams that season. He averaged 9.6 yards per punt return and 26.7 yards per kickoff return.
- 2020: Dillon was RB3 to open the season, his rookie campaign, and played in 23% of the special teams snaps. Ervin was brought back in 2020 and made the opening-day roster as RB4, seeing action in 23% of the snaps on special teams in eight games.
- 2021: Kylin Hill was RB3 on the initial 53-man roster. He appeared in eight games that season and played in 76 special teams snaps (40%).
Based on precedent, it is definitely possible that the Packers have three running backs on the initial 2023 53-man roster, especially if LaFleur wants to run a bit more of a run-heavy scheme like the one utilized in San Francisco under head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, in order to secure the RB3 spot, Wilson has to show he can make a difference on special teams.
Wilson originally signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft and was cut three days later. The Packers signed him on May 22, a week after the Broncos released him. After starting off his college career at Johnson C. Smith University, he transferred to Division II Fort Valley State for his final two collegiate seasons. He finished 2021 with a team-best 835 rush yards and seven touchdowns in only seven games. Wilson drastically improved upon those numbers during his final season, rushing for 1,371 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and 17 touchdowns in 10 starts en route to being named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Player of the Year. He scored 14 total touchdowns over the last five contests of the 2022 season.
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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild).
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Comments (54)
Bure9620
August 14, 2023 at 12:03 pm
I hope so, I like his game A lot, speed, size, decisive. No happy feet or wasted movement.
The truth is, they want an RB3 that 1) can pass protect 2)Has value on special teams. Then again, what does Goodson bring in those categories? Not much. Perhaps they carry 2 RBs and try to stash 2 or 3 on the PS and elevate one GameDay before they potentially sign one. Hopefully Wilson is in the mix.
Coldworld
August 14, 2023 at 02:37 pm
I think the key is to be adequate at protection. That opens the door. It could be that Taylor is the guy they want active as RB 3 on game day, but not the guy that would start if one of Jones or Dillon was injured.
I think Goodson and Wilson are such different backs : a Jones and a Dillon type respectively, very roughly. We really need to get serious about seeing them in protection. Let’s see if LaFleur is seeking a real challenge to Taylor or an excuse to defer it.
It’s also possible that, if given the chance, one or both make it very difficult to keep them off the roster. In Goodson’s case, that might be one less WR. It may be a question if who do they think they are most likely to be able to get to the PS.
Goodson probably has to work as a gunner. I don’t see him returning based on what I saw on Friday. I couldn’t find much on Wilson playing STs in college. He did have one return for 0 yards, possibly off a short kick. He may have played more in the role Taylor does.
One piece of optimistic insight for Wilson is that PFN had this to say about him prior to the draft (along with stating a lack of breakaway speed):
“Devastating blocker who shows excellent vision in pass protection. Sells out to stop the blitz. Stones defenders to stop them in their tracks and works blocks. Easily adjusts to the pass and reaches back for the reception.”
Maybe if given the chance, though it’s a big leap in competition.
Guam
August 14, 2023 at 02:51 pm
Taylor is a special team stalwart as well as good in pass pro and receiving. I suspect Wilson may be the better runner, but does that offset Taylor's advantages in the other three categories? I suspect Bissacia will strongly be in Taylor's corner for making the 53 and Wilson may wind up on the PS in case one of the runners (Jones or Dillon) gets hurt.
Coldworld
August 14, 2023 at 03:03 pm
Taylor is the ideal RB3 in this O on paper because he’s great on STs and sound in protection. No argument there because LaFleur has been extremely averse to handing him the ball even when a RB is out. If that’s all they want, great game day active. When Jones or Dillon missed games, he wasn’t used much ant anll on O and isn’t the solution. Therein lies the conundrum. Is one of the others too good to pass on? Possibly, if LaFleur might use them.
My guess is, if all are healthy, a roster place comes down to Goodson or Williams making stashing them on the PS unrealistic. Possibly either has the talent to be too good pass to another team. We will see, though Wilson was highly rated as a pass protector by PFN, as I noted above.
Guam
August 14, 2023 at 03:38 pm
If everyone is healthy, I believe they will be able to stash at least two of Goodson, Nichols or Wilson on the PS. Running backs are not highly valued in the NFL anymore and there are lots of them coming out of college ball. Just because of special teams prowess, I believe Taylor will be RB3 even if he is almost a liability in the rushing game.
dobber
August 14, 2023 at 04:56 pm
"Running backs are not highly valued in the NFL anymore and there are lots of them coming out of college ball."
For this reason, I think the Packers would be able to get any of those guys to the PS. If Wilson continues to ball out, they won't need to try.
Taylor is the kind of runner who gets what's blocked for him. He's good catching the ball, though. I think he's no "liability".
Guam
August 14, 2023 at 10:28 pm
Liability may not have been the best description but it was directed at his running ability, not his overall skill set. I believe he may be a below average NFL runner but he makes up for it with his special teams play, his pass pro and his receiving ability. Overall he is a good RB3, but I wouldn't want him carrying the load as the primary rusher for the Packers.
The larger issue is that certain positions seem to have been designated as "special teams first" positions as long as the player can fulfill the minimum requirements for the other responsibilities of the position. This is part of the new emphasis on special teams since the hire of Bissacia.
I think RB3 is one of those "special teams first" positions where special teams performance is more important than rushing ability. If Jones or Dillon get hurt, I think it will be far more likely that a practice squad player like Goodson, Nichols or Wilson pick up those snaps than Taylor. As long as Taylor continues to be a special teams stalwart, I think his position as RB3 is safe from the likes of Goodson, Nichols or Wilson who play almost no special teams snaps.
Coldworld
August 14, 2023 at 04:57 pm
I don’t think he is a liability. He actually gets hard yards when they let him. He’s just not a big play guy. If Wilson keeps doing what he did, a big if admittedly, I think he will get picked up. That’s the kind of yardage teams Love at minimal cost. Goodson is hard to gauge—does a team think he’s a quasi receiver?
SicSemperTyrannis
August 14, 2023 at 06:55 pm
Goodson is certainly dangerous as a slot / gadget player. #31 Wilson should be able to block well including pass pro, the question is how much can he contribute on ST?
packerbackerjim
August 14, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Very good first impression by Wilson. He also had a good 15+ yard run called back resulting from a penalty. It would appear he had good vision, ability to cut quickly, and possesses breakaway speed. I didn’t see that he was asked to block or receive but I may have missed it. Looking forward to what he shows these next two games
D.D.Driver
August 14, 2023 at 02:56 pm
The ankle-breaking juke and the speed down the field reminded me of Barry Sanders. Settle down---I'm not saying he's Barry Sanders or even close---I'm saying that run (against a bunch of scrubs) was 👀.
I'd love to see him get some reps against a first team defense just to see whether he can ball against real competition. We already know what we have with Jones and Dillon.
TKWorldWide
August 14, 2023 at 05:23 pm
Are you saying he’s Barry Sanders?
😉
D.D.Driver
August 14, 2023 at 07:54 pm
LOL.
T7Steve
August 14, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Wilson is a nice problem to have.
He'll have to shine on STs because it's very hard to excel in pass pro in the first season. Aaron Jones had his issues but eventually ended up a reliable blocker.
WD
August 14, 2023 at 12:44 pm
This is a very very difficult decision. It seems it is between Goodson and Wilson. Both are really good as I see it. Goodson is faster with a 4.42 forty contrasted to Wilson's 4.55. Yet Wilson is a bigger better developed back with explosiveness and some shake and bake. Moreover, performance wise he has outperformed. But. only based on one preseason game. Also into question is the injury to Goodson. The call may be decided depending on how serious the shoulder injury to Goodson is. My mind tells me Goodson because of his speed. However my heart tells me Wilson is the one. Luckily the coaches could care less what I think so they will have to make the call. I am sure it will not be an easy one for them either. It is a nice problem to have . Our RBs are very formidable.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 14, 2023 at 06:58 pm
#27 Taylor is not out of the running for RB#3 and probably still has the edge because of his contribution to ST.
WD
August 15, 2023 at 08:06 am
Taylor? Because he can play special teams? If we have to rely on Taylor for special teams it doesn't say much for our special teams. He is neither big nor fast and not a particularly great tackler. More importantly, we are talkin about our 3rd RB. That is the priority. We saw a lot of Taylor last year and he was not impressive. I would worry more about losing Bo Melton on special teams as he is the gunner and the fastest player on the field. But I digress.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2023 at 12:31 am
Both MLF and RB get input on this. If #27 is off the roster somebody needs to fill those duties on ST, and with #84 out for the season it only gets more important.
I like Wilson's big play ability too, he's just got to at least take up the slack on ST and he's behind the 8 ball on that. You'd think with all the LBs and DBs that are going to be cut this would be easy but they want people who can do at least double duty.
Leatherhead
August 14, 2023 at 12:49 pm
I think he's about one more good performance away. If Goodson is banged up and can't compete for the spot, then Wilson is going to get it. I think that Patrick Taylor has had his chances to earn this spot, but one more strong showing...a long run, whatever....by Wilson and I think he's in.
harleycops
August 14, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Hope the Pack coaches don't over think this. Give Wilson the eye-check and you see an RB gamer we didn't know we had. He has two more games and a bunch of practices to prove it, but let's hope this guy doesn't get away. So far-so good for him. I hope he's on the roster at the end of camp!
SicSemperTyrannis
August 14, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Rex, GREAT topic! It's upbeat and stokes enthusiasm :)
Some of us here are not at all surprised to see #31 do well, but an 80 yard run is ALWAYS surprising. ST just got much more important with the loss of our #1 contributor last season, #84 TE Tyler Davis, out for the season. This gives #27 Patrick Taylor an even bigger advantage in the RB room. Recent add #46 McCrary is a head scratcher to me; why, Gutey? I don't see saving some cap space towards next year as a bad thing, and one preseason game in and there's already some need to add due to injury.
#39 Tyler Goodson out with a shoulder injury with his arm in a sling could just be a precaution so he doesn't make it worse. His rehab could be immediate stretching and other exercises past the point of pain, just in an environment decidedly more controlled than the sideline of a football field. Likewise we can hope #32 Lew Nichols' injury is nothing serious. Still, it's possible that they got knocked out of contention for RB#3.
Taylor 6'2 217, Wilson 5'11 228, Dillon 6' 247. I'm inclined to root for our biggest RB behind Dillon. I'd love to see #27, 44, 81 & 85 all available to block for Dillon IN THE SECONDARY, behind maulers in our O line getting downright nasty all season. Add to that willing blockers in our big bodied WRs 13, 16, 18, 83 & 86. MLF can't cram all this onto the final roster, much less the field.
I give Wilson an advantage in blocking (including pass pro) by virtue of sheer power, the question is can he learn assignments on ST? Hopefully he was at least given the playbook on day 1, and told the RB#3 role absolutely requires these contributions.
Would Goodson's gadget play ability contribute more than what Wilson can do as a ball carrier? That's an interesting hypothetical. I don't want to see them as our RB #1 & 2 next year, but don't see how we can afford to keep both + Bakh.
HawkPacker
August 14, 2023 at 01:01 pm
I like what I saw against Cinci Friday evening even before the 80 yard TD run. He has the moves speed and vision that we need.
We need to plan ahead to 2024 and beyond as well. Will we have Aaron Jones and Dillon next year? Depending on how Wilson develops he could be the answer to our future. I know I am getting ahead of myself but the man is pretty impressive.
We need to see how he looks next week and get an idea on how he is blocking and can he catch. ST's are important but to me, but blocking and catching are more important.
I have seen Goodson a bunch at Iowa but if Wilson continues to play like he did Friday evening, he has my vote as rb 3.
greengold
August 14, 2023 at 02:49 pm
I don't think you're getting ahead of yourself at all, Hawk. More like, right on schedule.
Totally agree with you we ought to be looking ahead to 2024 with a 3rd RB if we keep one. Been thinking that roster positions will be at a premium this season, and if he's half as good a blocker as what I've seen described, we may have found the guy.
He runs with the power, vision and athleticism that makes you stop in your tracks and say, "YES!"
He can block in pass pro. "YES!"
He can catch out of the backfield. "YES!"
I see no reason why Wilson can't become a great contributor on STs. Not with NFL ready size & burst. Wilson is a workhorse, north/south runner with some decent elusiveness too. He might wind up being an economical heir apparent to AJ Dillon.
stockholder
August 14, 2023 at 01:35 pm
No - He won't be RB 3.
He's just not versatile enough.
The Job is Taylors now that Goodsons hurt..
(Look how long Jones had to wait)
dobber
August 14, 2023 at 05:02 pm
"(Look how long Jones had to wait)"
Second in carries on the team as a rook and was the Packers leading rusher and led the RB room in touches by his second year.
TKWorldWide
August 14, 2023 at 05:26 pm
That’s the kind of patience that fills up hospitals!
Oh, wait…I think I messed that up.
HarryHodag
August 14, 2023 at 01:43 pm
You can bet the Patriots will have Wilson scouted to the 'n'th degree. He won't surprise them. That is when you will see if he has talent. On the touchdown run the blocking front of him was outstanding, but his speed(4.6) was enough to take it the distance. The metrics geeks will say he's slow but you saw 'football speed' in action Friday night.
This Packers team looks much faster than previous teams. It reminds me of a quote from Alabama's Bear Bryant(paraphrasing) when asked by a reporter if his team was lucky. Bryant answered that luck had little to do with it but, "luck follows speed".
dudejcb
August 14, 2023 at 01:58 pm
True, so will have to see how this develops which is the name of the game. That said I looked more closely/slowly at his runs; he was doing a good job reading, adjusting and cutting very quickly. Double moves even. Makes one smile...
marpag1
August 14, 2023 at 02:21 pm
The Patriots will not have scouted Wilson even a little bit, unless maybe they looked at him prior to the draft as a prospect. Otherwise, it's preseason, and the Patriots will be focused on themselves, as they should be. They won't give a crap about someone who may or may not be the Packers 3rd string running back.
TKWorldWide
August 14, 2023 at 05:27 pm
Same page, amigo.
HarryHodag
August 14, 2023 at 05:31 pm
All the recordings from games are shared with the league office and those recordings are available to all teams. They also have a joint practice to watch what the Packers do.
dudejcb
August 14, 2023 at 01:43 pm
His contributions on WeTeams and in pass protection will determine his chances of sticking, but still, echoes of Aaron Jones ... sort of ... and a sweet NFL start.
Owners thumbs up! RUN PACK RUN!
greengold
August 14, 2023 at 02:09 pm
I've felt for some time, the best present Matt LaFleur could give Jordan Love in his first season as QB1 is a power rushing attack. Used correctly and often, it would keep opposing Ds playing honest, and open everything up in the passing game. Opponents honoring our run game would give Love his best chance at having a healthy 17 game+ season, with none of that ears pinned back garbage.
A power rushing attack should employ 3 RBs on the roster. I had some reservations about Goodson's size, while loving his playmaking ability for Jet concepts, and as a receiver.
With Emanuel Wilson, we get both size 5-11 228, 4.52 and playmaking ability of a different kind, that of a pure downhill rusher, a rhythm rusher who can wear out defenses. Wilson is also a great receiver, having averaged 10 ypc in his career. 80" wingspan.
Emanuel Wilson had Player Profiler's #3 Athleticism Score for the entire RB Class for 2023 at 103.3.
Tony Pauline's draft profile on Emanuel Wilson calls him "a devastating blocker with excellent vision in pass protection. Sells out to stop the blitz. Stones defenders to stop them in their tracks and works blocks."
According to Pro Football Rookie Analytics Blog, Wilson scored a R2 Athletic Grade, which was 6th best among rookie RBs. His BMI of 32.3 is the 3rd thickest amongst rookie RBs. Wilson's 10 yd acceleration of 1.58s is faster than that of D'Andre Swift. Lateral quickness measured equal to his draft class mean.
I like this kid A LOT, and I think he'd make a great RB3 for the Packers. Given his ability to block, along with his athleticism, size/power, EW might be able to push into the FB spot, while allowing us to keep 3 RBs rostered. Could be advantageous with those roster spots at a premium.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 14, 2023 at 07:20 pm
GG, I can see a few different approaches to #31. He's not a replacement for #28, and neither is Goodson a replacement for 33. Having them as our #1 & 2 next year while relying on an air raid O would be a step back IMHO. All 4 of these players brings something unique to the table and I never seriously thought 4 RBs would make the final roster, even though I think it might be good strategy to start that way and swap out for another WR later in the season after our passing game settles in and is proven. Another possibility is keeping #31 on the PS and putting #27 on the roster for his steady contributions especially on ST after the loss of #84. 31 could be elevated to the roster if either 28 or 33 goes down to injury. Assuming nobody snatches him off our PS, which will be an increasing risk if he keeps getting opportunities. Or so it seems. I want to believe he can learn all the other duties, but straight carrying the ball like that? I'm not sure it's teachable, not very many learn it.
MooPack
August 14, 2023 at 02:15 pm
I’m a Hawkeye as well and was pulling for the Packers to pick Goodson up. He has some explosion to him. Too bad he got hurt. Shoulder injuries, especially for a RB, is concerning and can linger if not given plenty of rest. This may have just cost him a roster spot.
I was hoping to see more from Nichols, but his shoulder injury Probably cost him a spot as well. Like he said it’s been two weeks.
Taylor is steady, but not spectacular in any one area. Do they go with a steady known or one with a higher potential running the ball. If it’s Taylor, it’s purely for STs.
And now that ball has luckily fallen into the hands of Wilson to show something above what the others have. I say good luck to him. He definitely showed some vision and cut ability.
greengold
August 14, 2023 at 03:02 pm
I agree completely, Moo.
Watched how Goodson was injured. It was on that play that looked busted, maybe a screen, deep in our own territory as both Rhyan & Newman released to the 2nd level ahead of Goodson, but Newman tripped over himself and face planted, leaving Rhyan to block 2 guys.
Goodson did a nice job of getting plus yards, I think it was 9 yds? Anyhow, one Bengal made the tackle, and another came in pounding him further into the turf on his opposite shoulder with a late hit that was not called. Goodson walked off holding that shoulder.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 14, 2023 at 07:23 pm
GG, I hate the rules that call for penalizing players a week following the game but in this case and maybe for #84 it might be worth at least a look.
davekenya
August 14, 2023 at 02:27 pm
As noted, he needs to put in work on Special Teams as well as the passing game. Like anyone, he needs to show consistency with his route running and play-action abilities, as well as pass-blocking.
Comments gleaned:
Sunday Wilson could be seen chatting with Aaron Jones about pass-blocking and picking up blitzes. So, he is definitely well aware of his need to expand his skill set there. As far as the rest of the passing game goes, Wilson showed some good stuff on Friday despite never being targeted.
Game comments were that often Emanuel Wilson was used as more of a check-down receiver on Friday night. Despite this, he appeared to run some good routes and do his job of pulling some defenders off of the primary routes. In play-action he appeared to do a good job of selling the fake. He was able to pull the linebackers down and when he saw he had them engaged he continued for as long as he could before turning for a possible target. It’s that kind of selflessness that will get him far in making final cuts while being on the bubble.Wilson recorded exactly zero special teams snaps on Friday night.
Over two years and 16 games at FSVU, he caught 31 balls for 278 yards and two touchdowns, with most of that receiving production coming in his 2022 season.
Short of something truly outstanding happening again, with a consistent upward arrow in camp in these areas I'd rather advocate him making the 53 than unsuccessfully trying to stash him on the PS as he'll be claimed based on his 'flash plays' (He looks like the kind of guy the Seahawks would scoop up.) It might depend on how much Gutekunst favors his draft picks over potential shown in camp.
This should mean nothing, but the fact that he didn't celebrate or make a bid deal at all after his 80 yard TD run tells me he's a hard-worker and 'nose to the grindstone' person -- someone who will continually work to improve. #31 quote: “Going there just made me realize that I’m not going to be able to be the star right now. Going into mini-camp and everything like that. I’m really just…a freshman. Coming in, I’m going to have to work my butt off to actually get on special teams.”
SicSemperTyrannis
August 14, 2023 at 07:29 pm
Dave, I call that the heart of a champion! Stuff like this is why MLF hates having to make final roster cuts. Gutey gets guys with great character, work ethic, and IQ.
greengold
August 15, 2023 at 08:32 am
I keep liking what you’ve said here, dave, more & more.
Swisch
August 14, 2023 at 02:51 pm
Maybe Wilson is a keeper, but I don't want to give up on Goodson too soon.
Perhaps there's a way to have both.
There may be some difficult decisions coming regarding our running backs and wide receivers.
Coldworld
August 14, 2023 at 03:13 pm
I wanted him used as an option type (IR protection not being sn issue) so badly last year. We were screaming out for some speed … LaFleur stuck with Amari to the extent we even saw the role outside from a few plays for Watson and farcically, Cobb in his dotage (love Cobb but he’s slow now) and Lazard.
13TimeChamps
August 14, 2023 at 02:52 pm
Reminiscent of a long ago tough, hard running #31?
Jimmy Taylor...6'0"/214
Emanuel Wilson...5'11"/228.
Seems like someone Taylor would be happy to see wearing his number.
HawkPacker
August 14, 2023 at 05:10 pm
Can you believe that some dork actually gave you a down vote?
TKWorldWide
August 14, 2023 at 05:29 pm
How’s about some Gerry Ellis?
LeotisHarris
August 14, 2023 at 06:01 pm
Fred Cone... 5' 11"/199 Also has two legs. Coincidence? I. Think. NOT!
In 1977, the Green Bay Packers drafted Jim Culbreath in the tenth round. He was issued jersey number 31. The Packers Head Coach, Bart Starr, said, “Jimmy has a lot to offer. He has excellent acceleration into the hole as a runner, he’s a fine pass receiver and he has made great strides in learning our system.”
In a game his rookie year against the Cincinnati Bengals, the local newspaper reported, “The Packers gained just 68 yards on the ground, 45 of them by Culbreath. He carried six times and had a 7.5 yard average. Nobody else rushed for more than 10 yards. Even no. 1 draft pick Eddie Lee Ivery (number 40) gained just four yards in three carries.”
Again, coincidence? Cone, Taylor, Culbreath and Ellis, were clearly all harbingers for Emanuel Wilson.
Now, Al Harris ... 6'1"/190...
TKWorldWide
August 14, 2023 at 06:43 pm
That’s a wild ride, man!
13TimeChamps
August 14, 2023 at 07:17 pm
I was simply making a comparison between two hard running backs who shared the same number. He seems like a great kid with a nice story coming into the NFL.
Remind me where I said he was the next Jim Taylor. Geezus...go f**k yourself. Or better yet....get a life.
TKWorldWide
August 14, 2023 at 07:31 pm
Lighten up, Francis.
NoNonsense
August 15, 2023 at 02:06 am
As a big advocate of Tyler Goodson as RB3 I was sad to see him get hurt in Cincy because I was hoping to see him really earn that spot this preseason. I immediately thought well now its Taylor's spot to lose if they even keep a 3rd on the 53 now.
Enter Emmanuel Wilson! What a great first impression that was! His play in that game really took the sting out of losing Goodson to injury and gave me hope that the job won't just go to Taylor by default.
It's not that I hate Taylor I just think he's solid but unspectacular and want to see that job go to someone who's capable of being a playmaker. Wilson just proved that he is more than capable of being one and now I just want to see more.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 15, 2023 at 05:15 am
Wilson beat Bengal's safety Larry Brooks to the sideline even though Brooks had the angle. Brook was a UDFA. He is a good athlete, with a good 1.54 ten yard dash and a good 6.84 three cone, though he ran just a 4.64 forty at his pro day. Pro football network wrote that Brooks has only average speed and lacks range to the sidelines.
Happy to see the other Wilson TD run. I didn't notice in real time, but Melton sustained a nice block for a long time to help spring Wilson. Interesting.
TKWorldWide
August 15, 2023 at 07:35 am
Melton has been under the radar so far. If he has hands to go along with one of the fastest 40’s on the team, he could contribute.
greengold
August 15, 2023 at 07:49 am
Yeah. He’s got hands any WR coach covets.
It’s tough, because our WR Room is that deep where Melton doesn’t get a chance with the 1s.
If I were LaFleur, I’d take Watson, Doubs & Toure out of half the action remaining these next two weeks to give Melton a more intense look with the 1s.
mrtundra
August 16, 2023 at 07:38 am
"However, in order to secure the RB3 spot, Wilson has to show he can make a difference on special teams." That says it all, regarding Wilson getting to be the #3 RB. He has to ball out on teams and to pick up his game in pass protection. So far the leader there is Patrick Taylor, who has played well on STs and in pass protection for the Packers. Taylor has done everything the Packers have asked of him and more. Let's see how Wilson does in the return game or as a gunner before we think of replacing Taylor as our #3 RB.