Kaelon Black, Green Bay Packers
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Kaelon Black #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during media day activities prior to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers at Miami Beach Convention Center on January 17, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers still have a few needs to address with the 2026 NFL Draft coming up quickly. After quite a few key departures from last season, the team’s Super Bowl hopes will hinge on what they do throughout the remainder of the offseason.
One of the lesser talked about needs for the Packers right now comes at the running back position.
Josh Jacobs remains in town as the clear-cut starter and workhorse. However, the team decided to move on from Emanuel Wilson this offseason. They did re-sign Chris Brooks, but he might not be the ideal candidate to back up Jacobs.
Keeping that in mind, Green Bay is showing interest in a new potential backup running back option.
Packers Showing Interest in Potential Running Back Option
According to reports, the Packers are going to be visiting with Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black. He is fresh off of a National Championship win and could be an ideal fit alongside of Jacobs.
Black formed a lethal duo at Indiana with Roman Hemby. It is expected that Hemby will also be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Throughout the course of the 2025 college football season with the Hoosiers, Black produced big numbers. He carried the football 186 times for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns and averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
Coming off of a six-year college career, Black should be able to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. Black totaled 2,596 yards and 17 touchdowns on 495 career carries and also caught 55 passes for 528 yards and six touchdowns.
What Would Kaelon Black Bring to the Green Bay Offense?
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has provided his overview about what Black will bring to the field at the professional level.
“‘Get what is blocked’ runner with good size and above-average aggression as a finisher. Black split carries in Indiana’s downhill attack and generally kept the run on its designed track. He lacks ideal burst and utilizes too many stutter-steps in processing the run lane while headed to the hole,” Zierlein wrote.
“He’s not elusive inside but will add yards with his tackle-breaking and fall-forward running style. Black is a grinder with below-average third-down value, but he could create competition for a RB3/4 role in camp.”
Bleacher Report has also provided an interesting NFL comparison for Black. They believe that Kyle Monangai is a reasonable comparison.
Only time will tell what the Packers choose to do at the running back position. For now, Black is a name worth keeping an eye on in the 2026 NFL Draft.