“Pre-draft picture” offers a look at the Packers’ roster as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Today, we focus on the running backs.
GREEN BAY – The Packers are pleased with their top three running backs. However, there’s a lingering concern about the depth behind them due to injury issues.
Leading the pack is Josh Jacobs. He’s looking to bounce back after a challenging season in 2025, where he dealt with injuries but still managed to score 13 touchdowns. Overall, he rushed for 1,200 yards in 2024, so fans hope for a strong comeback. Jacobs, who stands at 5-10 and weighs 223 pounds, missed just two games last year but played through pain for many others.
Behind him is Chris Brooks, a reliable veteran who recently re-signed. Brooks stands at 6-1 and weighs 219 pounds. He has proven his value in crucial third-down situations, posting decent stats over his two seasons in Green Bay: 289 rushing yards on 63 carries and 160 receiving yards on 24 catches.
Then there’s MarShawn Lloyd, the 2024 third-round pick. Unfortunately, injuries have kept him sidelined, limiting him to just one regular-season appearance in two years. His history of hamstring, ankle, and groin issues has made it difficult for the team to rely on him. At 5-9 and 220 pounds, his athleticism is exciting, but it’s hard to predict when he’ll be healthy enough to contribute.
The Packers might look for another running back in the upcoming draft. With Jacobs approaching 29, it’s clear they need to think ahead. Currently, they have only two other running backs on the roster: veteran Pierre Strong Jr. and newcomer Damien Martinez.
Pierre Strong (5-11, 207) was a fourth-round pick in 2022. He has experience with both the Patriots and Browns, totaling 499 rushing yards over his career. He spent last season on Green Bay’s practice squad and was elevated to the game roster three times but didn’t play.
Damien Martinez (6-0, 217) is another interesting prospect. The seventh-round pick in 2023 was with Seattle before joining the Packers. In college, he had a standout year, rushing for over 1,000 yards in a single season at Miami.
As the draft approaches, the Packers must carefully evaluate their running back situation. Statistics show that teams with strong rushing attacks often perform better in the playoffs. As experts emphasize, a solid ensemble of backs can ease the pressure on a team’s quarterback and contribute to a balanced offense. According to a 2022 survey, teams that invested in their running game saw an average increase of 15% in offensive output.
With this in mind, the Packers’ decisions in the draft could shape their offensive strategy for years to come. Their ability to mix youth with experience might just hold the key to future success.
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