Analysis:
Despite the Green Bay Packers having one of the league’s best thunder and lightning running back combos in the resigned Aaron Jones and last year’s second-round pick AJ Dillon, the Packers lack a true number three with the departure of Jamaal Williams. Fortunately, the team found a nice addition late into the draft with Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill in the seventh round.

Hill could be viewed as a steal, as many big boards pegged him as a Round 5 player. Hill had a monstrous college career, including a dominant 2019 season, where he rushed for 1,350 yards on 242 carries, scoring 10 touchdowns in the process. Unfortunately, Mississippi state changed offenses in 2020, and the spread offense didn’t suit Hill’s skillset. After being injured three games into the season, Hill opted out of the rest of the season. This is likely the reason the Packers were able to get him so late.

Fortunately, playing in a spread offense let Hill develop his skills in the pass game, improving as a receiver as a pass blocker. In Matt LaFleur’s offense, where running backs play a big role in the passing game, this is a huge boon.

Team Fit:
The Packers, as mentioned, have a strong core at the running back position. Aaron Jones is a top-5 back, and AJ Dillon’s mighty quads showed great promise against Tennessee late in the 2020 season. Despite that, the Packers don’t have a clear number three back. Dexter Williams, Patrick Taylor, and Mike Weber are the team’s other backs. Taylor and Weber are unknowns, while Williams hasn’t impressed thus far.

Hill gives the Packers a solid number three that could develop into a true contributor. Had Mississppi State not changed offenses, it’s likely Hill is a much higher pick, but playing behind Jones and Dillon will let him come into his own in the NFL.

Hill isn’t afraid to get physical and is a great fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense. Per CheeseheadTV’s Draft Guide, writer Dan Dahlke said this on Hill, “Hill is a physical one-cut runner with short area burst and quick lateral movement. He is physical downhill and does not shy away from contact.”

Hill fumbled just once in his collegiate career, this coming in his freshman season.

Matt Hendershott is a Packers fan and Miller High Life enthusiast from Northwest Ohio. He has a Master of Arts in Media and Communication from Bowling Green State University. You can follow him on Twitter @MattHendershott.