The Packers got a steal when they drafted Aaron Jones in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. In the first five seasons with Green Bay, he has put up great numbers and has consistently been one of the best backs in the league. However, many don’t realize just how great he has been. Aaron Jones ranks among the all-time greats in this stat.
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Aaron Jones Is Among The All-Time Greats
Jones is coming off another 1,000-yard season but the crazy thing is how few rushing attempts he needs to reach that number. He averaged 5.25 yards per carry this season and this is consistent with his career numbers. In fact, his career yards per carry is in the top 10 of all time. Check out the stat below.
There are 10 running backs in NFL history with at least 600 career rushing attempts and a career average of at least 5.00 yards per carry. Here’s the list.
Marion Motley: 5.70
Jamaal Charles: 5.38
Nick Chubb: 5.24
Jim Brown: 5.22
Dan Towler: 5.20
Mercury Morris: 5.14
Aaron Jones: 5.11
Jonathan Taylor: 5.08
Miles Sanders: 5.02
Gale Sayers: 5.00
Jones is 7th all-time in yards per carry behind some true legends and the best running backs in the league. This puts him in conversations with the all-time greats.
Back Next Year?
In his press conference on Friday, GM Brian Gutekunst expressed the desire to being Jones back. His current deal will need to be restructured but if both sides are in agreement, I’m sure something can be worked out. It makes sense why the Packers want him back. Getting five yards per carry puts the offense in a position to score points on many drives. If Aaron Jones is back next year, he should help whoever is at QB.
It’s been so long since the Packers had a running back like this. Jones often does not get talked about because everything coming out of the Packers usually involves Aaron Rodgers. However, if he keeps this type of production up, people will have to start including him in conversations.
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