Green Bay Packers Add Explosive RB MarShawn Lloyd to Backfield
The Green Bay Packers selected USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with their first third-round pick, and he has received high praise from Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, who labeled him the best running back in the draft class. General Manager Brian Gutekunst highlighted Lloyd's versatility, speed, elusiveness, and balance, noting that he brings a different dynamic to the Packers' backfield.
By the Numbers- Lloyd carried the ball 110 times with an average of 5.1 yards per rush and nine touchdowns during the 2022 season at South Carolina.
- At USC, Lloyd averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry on 115 attempts, ranking 26th in average yards after contact among all running backs.
- Lloyd caught 13 of his 18 targets last season with the Trojans, averaging 17.8 yards per catch.
While Lloyd's college production in the passing game was limited, he demonstrated efficiency and comfort, underscoring his potential as a pass-catcher in the NFL.
State of Play- The Packers face a competition for the backup running back role, with Lloyd's unique skill set positioning him favorably.
- Both Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur emphasized the need for running backs to excel in pass-catching and pass protection, areas where Lloyd aims to compete.
Lloyd will compete for playing time, focusing on improving ball security, pass protection, and leveraging his big-play potential to secure a significant role in the Packers' offense.
Bottom LineMarShawn Lloyd's selection brings a new dimension to the Packers' backfield, and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game could enhance the team's offensive capabilities, providing a potential boost in playmaking and versatility.
Read more at Packers Wire
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