The Missing Piece for the Packers’ offense
With established stars at receiver and a surging young quarterback, the Packers offense looks primed for big things in 2024. But they’re still not a complete unit. The Packers must find their missing piece on offense.
Bolster the Running Back Room
Where the Packers find their missing piece might be through free agency. The organization normally eschews looking for veteran players to fill important roles, but this year could be different. With A.J. Dillon likely playing his last snaps as a Green Bay Packer, the team will likely test the free agency market. The running back market in 2024 is surprisingly flush. Names like Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekler, and Derrick Henry could all become available in March.
An Unlikely Reunion
Of the three aforementioned running backs, Henry feels like the most likely to join the Packers. With the Tennessee Titans resetting their offensive identity, Henry could be the odd man out. Not only that, but Henry is familiar with Matt LaFleur. In 2018, LaFleur served as the Titans offensive coordinator. Under LaFleur’s watch, Henry and the offense produced a top-ten rushing attack in terms of yards and attempts (per pro-football reference). Although the Titans team was inept at quarterback, the offense relied heavily on the run game.
Henry might be getting up there in age, but he’s still one of the better running backs in the NFL when healthy. When the Packers drafted Dillon in 2020, they envisioned him as being a perfect complement to Aaron Jones. They were supposed to be thunder and lightning. At times, the duo flourished. But, Dillon’s tenure in Green Bay was largely underwhelming. With Jones being the spark that helped Green Bay turn their 2023 season around, his job appears safe. That means adding a compliment to the backfield is essential. Henry could be that guy.
Dip Into the Draft
Trey Benson
Even though the 2024 class of draft-eligible running backs is not as deep as 2023, there are intriguing prospects at the position. The most intriguing, given his projected draft slot, is Trey Benson. The Florida State product has an ideal blend of power and speed. After being underused at Oregon, Benson transferred to Florida State. Benson made his impact in Tallahassee by being a dual threat. There are shades of Joe Mixon in his game. By drafting Benson, the Packers would be able to give Jones a breather and also bolster the passing attack. In two seasons at Florida State, Benson eclipsed more than 2,000 scrimmage yards with 24 total touchdowns (per sports reference). His usage in the passing game wasn’t high, but he was productive when thrown the ball. There’s a good chance Jones is playing out his time in Green Bay in 2024, so drafting Benson could also give the team a capable successor. With a strong performance at the NFL Combine, Benson could boost his stock to become an early day-two pick.
Audric Estime
Beyond Benson, there are a few intriguing talents at running back. Given the likely departures on defense in free agency, there’s a chance Green Bay waits to add a late day-two prospect at the position. One player that stands out is Audric Estime. A bruiser who has a strong build, Estime is the epitome of a goal-line back in the NFL. He had his moments at Notre Dame by being more than just a bruiser and has a solid second-gear. When the game was on the line against Duke, Estime came up big and scored the game-winning touchdown on a long scamper. His physicality alone would give Green Bay the sort of imposing presence that is needed. Estime was also invited to the NFL Combine, which should help him boost his stock if he performs well in drills. As it stands, Estime projects as a day-three pick.
No matter which route they take, the Packers must prioritize finding that missing piece on offense.
Main Photo: [Dan Powers/USA Today Network-Wisconsin] – USA Today Sports
