GUTEKUNST AND GRADES: PACKERS THIRD-ROUND PICK MARSHAWN LLOYD

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers used their third-round pick on USC running back MarShawn Lloyd.

Lloyd spent his first three seasons at South Carolina, including a redshirt year in 2020, before transferring to USC for his final season. He rushed for 820 yards but averaged 7.1 yards per carry. He caught only 13 passes but averaged 17.8 yards per catch. That demonstrates Lloyd’s speed (4.46), elusiveness and play strength.

Relative Athletic Score: 8.62. At only 5-foot-8 3/4, Lloyd packs a punch at 220 pounds. He’s one of those bowling ball-style running backs. He’s got 4.46 speed in the 40. Lloyd’s hands measured only 8 3/4 inches. GM Brian Gutekunst said it didn’t factor in Lloyd’s eight fumbles – a bit of an alarming number.

Brian Gutekunst Discusses Lloyd: “I just think he had a very good start in the SEC, was a really good back in the SEC, and I think it was just his overall ability not only as a runner but the ability to catch the ball, I think he’s got some return ability. He’s a 220-pound man. He’s packed in a tighter frame, but like his ability to make people miss, he’s got a little juice to him. He’s 220 pounds, he breaks tackles. We think his best football’s ahead of him, and we’re really excited to get him.”

Year 1 Outlook: In 2020, with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams entrenched in the backfield, the Packers used a second-round pick on AJ Dillon. Dillon didn’t play much as a rookie. The following offseason, the Packers let Williams walk in free agency and handed the No. 2 duties to Dillon. It could be the same formula in 2024, with Lloyd working behind Josh Jacobs and Dillon. Dillon will be a free agent again next offseason, so Lloyd could move into the No. 2 role. Or, it could be Dillon vs. Lloyd for No. 2, with Dillon fighting for a roster spot.

Athlon Scouting Report: “When you’re a threat to score on every touch, whether on the ground or through the air, you’re going to find a role in the NFL. Lloyd shouldn’t have any trouble carving one out for himself, especially in schemes that can create space for him to work and won’t ask him to punch above his weight. His ideal fit would be as part of a multi-back system.”

Our Grade: B-plus. Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright was my favorite back in the draft and was still available. Wright’s a bit faster, a bit more proven as a receiver and a better pass protector. But you can certainly see the fit with Lloyd, whom NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called the best running back in the draft. The fumble numbers are troublesome but Lloyd – as Luke Easterling said in the scouting report – is a threat to score on every play. You’ve got to like that he had only 335 career touches. The Packers needed a breakaway threat to pair with Jacobs and Dillon and got him.

Pro Football Network Grade: C-plus. “While Lloyd is a great change-of-pace option, he doesn’t bring quite the amount of receiving upside that the Packers could’ve gotten with other options on the board. He also has fumbling issues, as well as a medical history to take into account.” There is much more on the pick at the link.

2024-04-28T18:30:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd