Analysis (Andrew Mertig): Jones possesses a compact frame (5’9″ 208lbs), but runs physically between the tackles. On tape you will see him finishing runs through defenders and fighting for the extra yards. He has good burst to get through holes and good long speed. It is rare to see him get caught by defenders from behind.
He was not used as a receiver out of the backfield often in college, and will have to learn to be a NFL route runner and how to catch the ball with his hands. He was overused in college and accumulated quite a few injuries, plus had an arrest for drunk driving before the draft. Jones has a great chance to be a physical runner between the tackles with enough speed and quickness to make him dangerous on 1st and 2nd down, but he’ll have to prove himself as a blocker to see the field in passing situations.
Team Fit (Mike Wendlandt): Jones is a smaller back at only 5’9” but with his strength between the tackles, he has the chance to jump into a role as an early down change of pace from guys like Ty Montgomery and fellow Draftee Jamaal Williams. And he can also break one for the homerun if defenders don’t finish their tackles. He has a great chance to see the field if he bring what he showed on tape to Lambeau.
Player Comparison (Mike Wendlandt): With his build and running style, Jones reminds me a lot of Ray Rice on the field. Both guys were compact, physical runners who don’t go down on the first hit and can break a big run if they get in the open field.
Rank (Ross Uglem): Unranked. I was not looking for a smaller back, and TT has not historically taken short running backs. After the top 7 backs I focused on bigger guys.
PFF Draft Guide (Ross Uglem): PFF Elusive rating of 73.0. Christian McCaffery’s was 73.8.
Mike Wendlandt
Originally from Iola, WI (about 30 minutes from Stevens Point), I am currently living in Rosholt, WI. I graduated from Drake University with a degree in History in December 2015, but have a journalism background and have been active with print and radio during my time in Des Moines, specializing in sports. I have filmed and broadcasted almost 100 events during my time at Drake, including football, basketball, and the Drake Relays. Now I have started my career in broadcasting with a position at WDUX FM-Waupaca. I am currently the play-by-play voice of Central Wisconsin High School Sports. A lifelong Packer fan, I count myself among the luckiest sports fans in the world to be a supporter of a team so steeped in history and success.
1 response to “BREAKING – Packers Draft Aaron Jones, RB. UTEP 182nd Overall”
This pick bothers me a little. Why a second running back when Isidora the guard from Miami and Rouillon the center from Wyoming were still on the board. Other then that I like this draft. TT did a pretty good job. The secondary was priority one and we addressed it. By pick 93 the EDGE rushers were hit hard and the DT was a pretty good choice. Love starting both Friday and Saturday off in the draft. Biegel could turn out to be better than Watt. At least that’s what I’ve heard. Being a Watt drove up his draft positioning and I think both these Wisconsin players will be overachievers. I believe our OL will be fine with the addition of the Saints player. This year was not a good year for OL. Next year we can get another chance at filling in our OL. We must continue to protect the franchise. For now we’re pretty solid. I hated to see Tretter go more then Lang.