Shortly after the 2024 NFL Draft, Packer fans heard NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah say they had gotten the best running back in the draft. Former Senior Bowl director and respected NFL scout, Jim Nagy agreed with him on that statement. So, naturally, when Packers' third-round draft pick, Marshawn Lloyd was asked if it were true, he had to agree with them. This was high praise considering three running backs were selected before Lloyd in the draft with the first going 42 picks ahead of him. He'd have his work cut out for him proving this was indeed true.
Unfortunately, for Marshawn Lloyd and the Packers, injuries plagued his rookie season only allowing him to dress for one preseason game and only one regular season game. This wasn't all, training camp injuries also kept him out of practice often. Lloyd only carried the ball once in preseason for eight yards before departing with a hamstring injury. When he was able to play in the regular season, he got in 10 offensive snaps in week 2, carrying the ball six times for 15 yards and he recorded one reception for three yards before exiting with an ankle sprain that kept him out for six games. In mid-November when Lloyd was finally able to return, he was sidelined with appendicitis effectively ending his season. Marshawn Lloyd just couldn't catch a break and his rookie season ended up essentially being a redshirt.
Despite this horrible luck in 2024, the one thing Marshawn Lloyd has going for him is that these injuries weren't anything to be concerned about as far as long-lasting effects go. Lloyd should be all set to go once OTA's begin for the 2025 season. It may be an uphill battle for him though, given the Packers' depth at the position.
It was expected for Josh Jacobs to be the feature back in 2024 and that is exactly what he was, averaging 4.4 yards per carry for 1,329 yards on the ground with 15 touchdowns. What perhaps was not expected was the production of those behind Josh Jacobs. Emanuel Wilson took 103 carries for 502 yards and four touchdowns averaging 4.9 yards per carry and Chris Brooks took 55 carries for 289 yards and a touchdown averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Both Wilson and Brooks made cases to be involved in the conversation for a role in the Packers' offense in 2025. With Marshawn Lloyd seemingly being the odd man out in that conversation, where does that leave him for his second season?
Lloyd's role in 2025
What does Marshawn Lloyd bring to the table? Despite only standing at 5'8" he still packs a punch weighing in at 220 lbs. Lloyd broke free from tackles 111 times on 259 carries during his last two seasons at USC. He did it with power and finesse as well and Lloyd also possesses great speed to slip away from defenders. If he's not taking the ball out of the backfield on a handoff, he's also an aerial threat averaging 17.8 yards per reception at USC in 2023. Matt LaFleur will absolutely be ready to welcome a dual-threat running back into the lineup.
During Marshawn Lloyd's limited time on the practice field in training camp last year, I was lucky enough to be in attendance for a few carries. What impressed me the most was his speed when changing direction. Most notably, he took a toss out of the backfield to the outside and in what seemed like a broken play for no gain for the offense, Lloyd beat the defenders to the sideline, turned it up-field and created what looked to me like a 13-yard gain. Of course, practice is practice and it needs to translate to the field on game day, but his speed to the edge was very impressive and could be a big benefactor to him in seeing the field much more often with a healthy 2025.
If there's one thing Marshawn Lloyd has going for him, it's his draft investment. As long as his training camp and preseason aren't an utter disaster, Marshawn Lloyd could easily make the 2025 roster. It could even come at the expense of Chris Brooks. Being a higher draft pick affords you a bit of job security for at least your first two training camps. Brooks essentially being a depth acquisition last year makes him a little more expendable than a third-round pick. Emanuel Wilson may currently hold the number two running back position, but I believe a strong training camp will place Marshawn Lloyd at a close 3rd behind Josh Jacobs and may even make him number two in a matter of a few weeks.
Marshawn Lloyd was dealt a rough hand his rookie season. But he has all the skill and talent he needs to make a huge 2nd year impact. This offseason has mainly been focused on improving the passing game on offense. You do need a great passing game to win in the NFL, but a great running game can help bolster that passing game. In 2025 the Packers are hoping Marshawn Lloyd along with Josh Jacobs can create the best 1-2 rushing punch in football.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz and Bluesky @gmeinholz.bsky.social for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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