It's Time for Marshawn Lloyd to Carve Out His Role
The returning running back needs to shine early this season
By GregMeinholz
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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Comments (58)
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 09:44 am
Marshawn Lloyd is our #3 RB, and unless somebody gets hurt, he's going to be inactive for quite a few games.
GregC
March 25, 2025 at 09:56 am
They suit up three RBs for every game.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 03:07 pm
You are correct. Most of the time, it's just two that touch the ball.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:21 pm
They used three RBs in 4 of the last 5 games.
BuckyBadger
March 25, 2025 at 11:29 am
He is a 3rd round pick. He will be given every opportunity to be the 2nd back in camp. No depth chart is set in stone in March.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 02:28 pm
Depth charts aren't set in stone, but they're written down on paper, and right now, Lloyd's our #4 guy, and he's coming off a bad season, even for a rookie. Unless the guys ahead of him get hurt, (which we don't want), Lloyd is going to have a hard time getting on the field in the regular season.
The two main dogs, Jacobs and Wilson, got 441 touches last year. Chris Brooks was third with 47. Lloyd had 7.
I'm looking forward to watching him in preseason. I expect to see Jacobs and Wilson when the games start.
LeotisHarris
March 25, 2025 at 02:38 pm
Per Mina Kimes, the Browns still use stone for their depth charts.
Since'61
March 25, 2025 at 02:59 pm
And I thought it was the Jets who were still using stone for their depth charts. Thanks, Since '61
dblbogey
March 25, 2025 at 02:28 pm
I wish I could see into the future like you.
dblbogey
March 25, 2025 at 02:29 pm
The all knowing Leatherhead has spoken.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 03:01 pm
Laugh now. We'll see if I'm right or not.
How much do you have to know to understand that if you drop a rock, it will fall to the ground?
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:23 pm
This isn't as bad a take as your "Amari Rodgers will be WR3" one was but it's still bad.
NickPerry
March 25, 2025 at 08:25 pm
Ouch!
Guam
March 25, 2025 at 02:39 pm
I dunno LH, Lloyd has more speed than any other Packer RB. That might get him on the field more.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 03:06 pm
This isn't about what Lloyd can do. This is about the guys ahead of him.
The Packers are happy with Jacobs and Wilson.....they were a durable pair that averaged about 130 yards of offense game after game. Not many backfield combos did better than that.
And the #3 guy Brooks, barely touched it, despite being healthy and available. When he did, he averaged 5 yards a touch and did not turn the ball over. This is Lloyd's first obstacle to dressing for games.
I'll stand by what I said: Unless the guys ahead of him get hurt, he's going to have a hard time getting on the field.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2025 at 05:22 pm
They didn't draft Lloyd to play behind Wilson and Brooks. One of the three is going to the waiver wire.
Packerpasty
March 25, 2025 at 08:24 pm
I think he'll get plenty of playing time as the #2 back...only time will tell...im not totally sold on Wilson..
Guam
March 25, 2025 at 10:58 pm
I agree that Wilson is a good back and the Packers like him, but Wilson scares no one running wide. He doesn't turn the corner unless it is blocked open for him. Lloyd is fast enough to just plain beat defenders to the corner. Lloyd can open up parts of the play book that Wilson and Brooks just can't which is why Lloyd will play more than you might think.
Coldworld
March 26, 2025 at 07:52 am
Wilson is more likely to get outside than Jacobs or Brooks based on what I’ve seen, but essentially he is Jacobs understudy. If Jacobs goes out Wilson fills his role very successfully.
I don’t think Wilson gets enough credit for how well he did in that role: averaging 4.9 yards per carry (9th best among RBs with 100 or more carries) with a success rate of 59.2 (2nd to only Bijan Robinson). 103 carries, 502 yards, 4 TDs.
Brooks became essentially the third down back for his blocking and as a lateral pass outlet. He also did very well. 36 carries, 186 yards and 1 TD at 5.1 ypc. However, those 3 are all similar backs.
Lloyd is faster and more sudden. His pass pro and hands have yet to be proven, but he provides a genuine outside the tackle option the others do not. That was what we are missing last year and will get him on the field even if his draft position were to be ignored, as long as he can show enough on protection. Then it’s up to LaFleur to use that imaginatively to expand offensive flexibility and the challenge to defenders.
Guam
March 26, 2025 at 08:28 am
Jacobs actually has a faster forty time than Wilson (4.52 versus 4.62). Wilson and Brooks are both good backs but neither has the speed of Lloyd. Lloyd demonstrated good hands out of the backfield at USC so I am not particularly concerned about his receiving skills. His pass pro is very much unproven.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:19 pm
Considering how much LaFleur was talking about having special sets for him last year that's a very silly take. If he's healthy LaFleur wants to get him on the field.
beerandbrats
March 25, 2025 at 09:46 am
I'm looking forward to seeing what Lloyd adds to our running game. I expect him to push Jacobs for that starting spot. Competition will make them both even better running backs.
beerandbrats
March 25, 2025 at 12:30 pm
That wasn't a very popular take was it? So let me try to say it in a different way. I'm pretty sure Lloyd was drafted with a premium pick to become our RB of the future. I don't expect him to win the starting job because Jacobs is one of the best, but the more they push each other in practice, the better they will be.
Imagine them being on the field at the same time. One can get the tough yards up the middle while the other can get to the outside pretty quickly. That has to be tough to defend. We could end up having one of the best running back tandems in the NFL!
Don't we want all of our draft picks to push the starters for their job because that makes everybody, and the team better?
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 02:49 pm
The thumbs people didn't like the idea that Lloyd could push/challenge Jacobs. But the same thumb people didn't like the idea that Lloyd isn't going to get on the field unless the guys in front of him get hurt.
We would like all our draft picks to eventually become starters. Not necessarily as rookies, or even second year guys, especially if there had been some injury delays, but certainly at some point. At this point, the Packers might have to make a trade to create some space for Lloyd. If not, he has a lot of good football players ahead of him.
You mentioned something about ''having one of the best running back tandems in the NFL'''
The Lions had an excellent tandem...Gibbs and Montgomery had over 3000 yards of offense and over 30 TDs. But Jacobs and Wilson were still a better pair than most teams had....2250 yards of offense and over 20 TDs.
And of course, the Lions offensive line was awesome, whereas we really had a line where two of the players were below average starters. (because all of our starters should be average or better)
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:33 pm
The way LaFleur talked about getting him on the field in specific sets last year at the end of TC I think he wants him involved in the passing game. I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to split him out like the did Jones. He averaged 17 yards a catch his last year at USC and 11.5 over his college career. I don't think he has much of chance to unseat but Jacobs had a lot of carries last year and it's tough for heavy use RBs to stay healthy two years in a row so it would be great if Lloyd could stay healthy. Hopefully Banks helps the OL up the yards before contact this year, it was horrible last year and a testament to what an amazing year Jacobs had.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2025 at 10:14 am
Chris Brooks has a fan at 1265 Lombardi...Matt LaFleur was effusive in his praise for him, stating he liked him in the draft and viewed him as a complete back.
The RB room is one of the strongest on the team. And all can catch the ball and generate YAC...hopefully they will be more active in the pass game.
Coldworld
March 25, 2025 at 10:29 am
I see Lloyd as being the best opportunity to attack outside the tackles given his burst and speed. The key determinant of how much we see him is likely to be his pass blocking development. If he can hold his end up there and show consistent hands, he becomes an eventual ideal candidate for 3rd down back as well as adding to our ability to get around the edge, where his extra speed could be a big plus while still being effective between the tackles.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2025 at 10:54 am
Thunder and lightning potential with Jacobs and Lloyd. And have to say, Wilson only continues to impress as well.
Brooks looked great too in limited snaps. Nice combination of speed, balance and finding/running well behind blocks.
Guam
March 25, 2025 at 02:34 pm
Lloyd's speed sets him apart from the other Packer backs (Lloyd - 4.46; Jacobs - 4.52; Wilson - 4.62; Brooks - 4.63) and that will help him see the field more in 2025 both as an edge threat and as a receiver. I'm excited to see him play.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:43 pm
If you look at his use against the Colts he had 6 carries and a catch in 10 snaps. His pass blocking should be improved but I think it's pretty clear LaFleur wanted the ball in his hands when he was on the field. Obviously that's a different game with Love playing but I think it shows LaFleur wants to use him as a spark when he's in the game.
stockholder
March 25, 2025 at 10:52 am
Loyd's never going to start..
I see No reason to change the outcome.
I say he gets Cut.
Added edit-
Main stream conscious view won't help.
TKWorldWide
March 25, 2025 at 11:23 am
Just have to ask: what exactly is your criteria for using capital letters?
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2025 at 12:02 pm
first word, third word, fifth word?
davekenya
March 25, 2025 at 02:34 pm
Benjamin's Elementary Primer of English Grammar also includes 'the third word of a sentence becomes capitalized only when the proceeding sentence ends with two periods (or when sounded like 'a' as in 'neighbor' and 'weigh').
LeotisHarris
March 25, 2025 at 02:43 pm
Fact!
If you're going to spend the money for Benjamin's Elementary Primer of English Grammar, bundle it with Benjamin's Vocabulary Builder-Upper. So worth it and saves on shipping.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:47 pm
I think it's more riding the wave of whatever psychedelic he's on that day. Sometimes it's a trough where there's a bit of clarity and sometimes he's riding the crest where it's unclear where sentences start and end. 😵💫 I just feel sorry for the frogs.
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2025 at 12:57 pm
What is his criteria for making such a statement?
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2025 at 01:04 pm
Poetry is my fallback on that front. Stockholder is a surrealist poet. His work as influenced by free jazz pioneers Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy and Alice Coltrane. There's rhythm there but it's wild sophisticated. Beyond most of our comprehension.
LeotisHarris
March 25, 2025 at 02:02 pm
Spot-on Coleman reference. Very high (no pun intended) odds stockholder is a deadhead as well. Hunter-like prose appears quite often.
Stocky, publish the book. Seriously. Working title? write To daylight.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:52 pm
I think it would be more like Punctuatiwha?
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2025 at 04:15 pm
Punctuatiwha - is that where you go to gamble on prose?
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 04:20 pm
When it comes to punctuation wouldn't it be more like Alice Cooper and the guillotine? Chop chop.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:50 pm
I think he just licked one Orange Tree Frog too many.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2025 at 02:54 pm
Obviously, proper nouns (Lloyd) , the first word of every line, and the most important word from the author's perspective.
Packers0808
March 25, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Only with an accident with a blade of some sort.
dblbogey
March 25, 2025 at 02:31 pm
Derp.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:37 pm
"I say he gets Cut."
Dumb take, you been licking frogs again?
stockholder
March 25, 2025 at 03:49 pm
Main stream conscious view won't help.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 03:53 pm
Giving yourself a thumbs up right after posting is hilarious.
stockholder
March 25, 2025 at 04:02 pm
Thats better than the universal language.
TKWorldWide
March 25, 2025 at 05:41 pm
Which is…love?
BuckyBadger
March 25, 2025 at 11:31 am
When you draft a RB in the 3rd round the hope is he becomes the guy. Jacobs of course will be the lead back barring injury but the expectations is Llyod to force himself on the field and push Jacobs for playing time. 3rd round is a high pick for a RB.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2025 at 04:55 pm
3rd round being a high pick for a RB depends how high the team values the position. It is clear LaFleur and Gutey value the run game more than most teams.
Alberta_Packer
March 25, 2025 at 11:44 am
Serial injuries was the theme for M.L. last season – hip, hamstring, ankle and appendix. Certainly this has me wondering about his availability and durability for this upcoming season (and beyond). I like that Lloyd is 220 lbs – though not so much that he his only 5'9”. That's a lot of mass - on a smaller frame – with tight musculature. Moreover his sudden and explosive running style only adds further stress to his muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. That being so - I would not be too surprised if the Packers took a Day 3 RB in this Draft. Because this would be the year to do it – being such an outstanding class. Nevertheless - a physically sound Lloyd – with his talent and athleticism – could be a tremendous boost / weapon for the Offense. Although I'm hoping – more than anticipating - for this outcome.
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2025 at 01:08 pm
Jacobs, Wilson, Brooks, and Llyod is why I made the comment before that our RB room is full and that RB is what I least expect the Packers to draft a player. We have four good backs so why use a draft pick on that position unless a very good one drops in their lap. Yes they will probably sign one or two UDFAs.
Oh and I have been waiting over a year to see him run consistently.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2025 at 04:35 pm
I think LaFleur wants to use him a lot like he did Jonesy with outside runs and occasionally splitting him out wide. Minus Watson Lloyd could impact the passing game when split out because there's only two or three LBs in the NFL that could cover him so most of the time he'll be drawing attention from a DB. If I was LaFleur I'd have him running some post routes in OTAs and minicamp ad see if he could handle that role. He's faster than Musgrave and can muscle most DBs with some practice against press.
In USC's passing game he was used mostly as an emergency outlet and was good at finding intermediate space so I think he has the ability to make down the field catches. Big thing getting him touches in space and letting him do his thing while occasionally giving him inside carries to keep defenses honest.
The 1st and 5th plays in this highlight clip are good examples of his receiving prowess, especially the 2nd catch.
https: //youtu.be /qOf9VFJxALI?si=94gcgjki0lsFSH5s
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2025 at 04:59 pm
I agree, minus Watson, Lloyd can help take up the slack of his lost production for a time. And so can Jacobs, Kraft, Wilson and Brooks.
THESZOTMAN1
March 25, 2025 at 07:19 pm
I realize Lloyd is cheap labor and was unfortunately bitten but the injury bug, but Wilson and Brooks did EVERYTHING we asked them to do last year. Both exceeded expectations. Lloyd should have to earn his snaps.
The Szotman