Aaron Jones: 2018 Outlook: Competing For Touches In A Crowded Backfield
6 years agoThe competition for touches between Aaron Jones, fellow second-year back Jamaal Williams and converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery has created a challenging situation for owners. Not only is Green Bay's depth chart indiscernible, but there is no evidence that the roles for this trio will become disentangled once the regular season begins. While Jones' two-game suspension is clearly a setback, it does not equate to Williams being cemented as the Packers’ RB1. However, it does not help Jones, who entered the lineup in Week 4 after a rib injury sidelined Montgomery. He generated 297 rushing yards (99 YPG) in Weeks 5-7, while averaging 16.3 carries during that span. But his 6.6 YPC in two of those contests did not prevent him from being relegated to just five attempts in Week 9. His sprained MCL helped Williams ascend into the role of primary runner from Weeks 10-17. However, Williams’ team best 556 yards were only 108 more than Jones, even though Williams received 72 more carries. Jones possesses the explosiveness to warrant his current seventh round ADP, as he assembled the more impressive YPC average (5.5/3.6), and his six runs of 20+ easily surpassed the combined total Williams and Montgomery (2). However, owners should understand the risk that is involved with this investment. Because his shortcomings as a blocker and receiver could result in Williams being allotted a higher snap count.