The Green Bay Packers are navigating a pivotal offseason, but the spotlight is firmly on third-year running back MarShawn Lloyd. Drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Lloyd's tenure in Green Bay has been marred by injuries, keeping him off the field for most of his time with the team.
As he enters the third year of his contract, the stakes are high for the former USC standout. Packers' general manager Brian Gutekunst underscored this at the NFL’s annual meetings, hinting at the possibility of bringing in a "true No. 2 running back."
“We will certainly add competition to that room,” Gutekunst remarked. He expressed confidence in Lloyd’s potential, alongside Pierre Strong, but made it clear that more competition is on the horizon.
The Pressure is On for MarShawn Lloyd
Despite Gutekunst’s supportive words for Chris Brooks and Lloyd, the message is clear: the Packers are looking to bolster their running back depth. Earlier this offseason, the team’s decision not to tender running back Emanuel Wilson seemed to favor Lloyd. However, with the draft approaching, Lloyd’s position might be in jeopardy.
Lloyd, known for his explosive potential, showcased an impressive 8.62 relative athletic score during his draft process. Yet, persistent injuries have prevented him from demonstrating this on the field.
His rookie season was plagued with hamstring, hip, and ankle issues, along with a bout of appendicitis. His sophomore year didn’t fare better, as groin, hamstring, and calf injuries sidelined him completely.
With only six carries for 15 yards over two seasons, Lloyd’s role as the No. 2 running back is far from secure.
Draft Decisions Loom Large
It's no surprise that Gutekunst confirmed the Packers’ intention to draft a running back. The question remains: who will they choose?
For Lloyd, there’s a silver lining. This year’s draft class isn’t particularly strong at the running back position.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love tops the list, ranked as the No. 4 player overall, followed by his teammate Jadarian Price at No. 44.
Arkansas’s Mike Washington Jr. is next at No. 64.
The Packers might not face serious competition until later rounds, with prospects like Washington’s Jonah Coleman (No. 91), Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (No. 104), and Penn State’s Nick Singleton (No. 128) in the mix.
While the draft class's lack of depth might seem advantageous for Lloyd, his battle against injuries remains his biggest hurdle. With Gutekunst openly discussing draft strategies, the message is clear: Lloyd must capitalize on his potential next season or risk his future with the Packers after two challenging years.