The Green Bay Packers find themselves in an intriguing position with their running back situation. With Emanuel Wilson heading to the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers are left with Chris Brooks, a solid blocker but not exactly the dynamic ballcarrier they might need. And while MarShawn Lloyd's health remains a question mark, Josh Jacobs continues to rack up mileage, sparking discussions about his future with the team.
So, what's the game plan for this season? The Packers could stick with Brooks and Lloyd, hoping Jacobs holds up, or they might seize a golden opportunity in the 2026 NFL Draft. Enter Notre Dame's Jadarian Price, a prospect the Packers should seriously consider snagging with their 52nd overall pick.
Drafting Price in the second round might raise some eyebrows, especially with glaring needs at cornerback and edge-rusher. But dismissing Price purely because of his position could be a mistake.
Despite playing second fiddle to Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame, Price delivered an impressive season, racking up 674 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging six yards per carry. His ability to gain 3.92 yards after contact and notch 24 carries of 10-plus yards highlights his explosive potential, boasting a 21.2 percent explosive-play rate, even better than Love’s.
Price's lack of national attention could work in the Packers' favor, allowing them to snatch a potential star without the usual fanfare. Currently ranked 48th among all prospects by NFL Mock Draft Database, he could be a steal late in the second round.
The Packers' running back depth chart is looking thin. Wilson’s departure leaves a void, and Jacobs' health and efficiency have been concerns, with his four yards per carry not quite justifying his hefty contract.
With nearly 1,900 career carries, Jacobs may be feeling the wear and tear. Cutting him after next season could save the Packers a projected $13.5 million, a tempting prospect.
Imagining a backfield led by Brooks, Lloyd, and Damien Martinez doesn’t inspire much confidence. They’re solid backups, but is there a true No. 2 among them? Not really.
Green Bay has a history of success with second-round running backs, like AJ Dillon, who was picked at No. 62 out of Boston College. While Price may not have Dillon's college workload, his explosive ability and pedigree from an elite program make him an enticing option, ranking as the second-best back in the 2026 draft class.
With the Packers' running back room on shaky ground, making a move for Price now could pay off in spades down the line.