The Green Bay Packers decided to add to the ground game with a third-round draft pick this year. MarShawn Lloyd out of USC is the newest Packers running back on the roster.
Lloyd, Dillon, and Jacobs will make up the three-headed rushing attack in Green Bay. Lloyd is a dynamic player who can take the top off a defense on any given play. That has been made evident with highlights surfacing after his selection.
The Green Bay Packers Newest Running Back MarShawn Lloyd Has Some Incredible Highlights
Shortly after Lloyd was drafted by Green Bay, fans got a glimpse of just how fast he is:
Meet your newest RB, #Packers fans.
Marshawn Lloyd is FAST. pic.twitter.com/yZpD7LQHan
— Jacob (@NotionsOfJacob) April 27, 2024
That speed injected into Green Bay’s offense will be extremely fun to watch.
The Packers Have A Lot To Be Excited About With Lloyd
Bleacher Report’s draft profile of Lloyd is exciting to say the least:
Marshawn Lloyd is a bundle of explosive traits who has not yet channeled that into a complete running back profile.
Lloyd plays with serious burst. To and through the line of scrimmage, Lloyd kicks into top gear instantly. He has the speed to break away and finish those runs in the end zone as well. Lloyd not only ripped off a handful of long runs at USC, but he managed to do the same on a few screens in limited opportunities.
Lloyd also has burst and wiggle at the second level. He isn’t as smooth or creative as other backs, but he boasts a raw explosiveness that helps him force missed tackles.
However, Lloyd struggles at the line of scrimmage. He often hesitates when color flashes in a gap, and he does not read the leverage of blocks very well. As a result, Lloyd often takes a beat too long to get upfield or runs himself into his own blockers.
Additionally, it’s rare to see Lloyd plunge forward through contact for a safe, efficient gain rather than hunt for the big play on the perimeter. Lloyd’s upright rushing style makes it difficult to do that anyway, which may be why he avoids it.
On passing downs, Lloyd is kind of a mystery box. He showed unbelievable explosive potential on screens and flashed solid pass-catching traits otherwise, but he was rarely thrown the ball at USC. He feels like someone with untapped potential in the passing game. Lloyd was also rarely used in pass protection, so he will have a lot to learn there.
Lloyd is a gamble on explosive ability. His adequate size, blazing speed and nimble feet are a combination of traits worth swinging on. At the same time, Lloyd may need time to adjust to pro running schemes and develop his vision as a runner, as well as his third-down skills.
It will be interesting to see how involved Lloyd gets in the passing game with Matt LaFleur calling plays. That is certainly one aspect the Packers lost in Aaron Jones that they’ll miss.
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