How Will RB Aaron Jones Help the Packers?

The Packers selected their second running back of the draft, choosing UTEP’s Aaron Jones. Jones joins Green Bay after four prolific seasons with the Miners, running for a school-record 4,114 yards during his tenure.

Here’s how he helps the Packers.

Jack-of-all trades

Jones had to evolve in his time with the Miners. When he arrived on campus, he relied almost solely on his speed and agility to make plays. Since then, he’s become a more complete back. Last season, he had over 2,000 all-purpose yards (1,773 rushing and 233 receiving) and scored 20 touchdowns. He also spent plenty of time on special teams, and could be a factor in kick and punt returns for the Packers.

An elusive back

Elusive rating – a stat by Pro Football Focus – measures a running back’s ability to create rushing yards on their own. Jones finished his collegiate career with a similar elusive rating (73.0) as top ten pick Christian McCaffrey (73.8). Much like McCaffrey, Jones also caught plenty of passes with the Miners and lined up all over the field during college.

Skills unique to the Packers backfield

The closest comparison Jones has on the Packers’ roster is Christine Michael, a speedy back who runs without abandon. Jones is physically similar (5-9, 208) to the Ravens’ Danny Woodhead (5-8, 200), but many will make the natural connection to the Eagles’ Darren Sproles. Green Bay’s backfield now boosts a wide array of body types, from the bruising Jamaal Williams to the shifty Ty Montgomery, Michael and Adams.