NFL teams all around the league are gearing up for Training Camp that will start in late July. Training camp is the final showcase for players to showcase their skills and make a push for the 53 man roster. In Green Bay, one of the biggest stories going into training camp is the running back competition that's going to take place.
The Green Bay Packers Depth Chart at running back is seven deep at the moment. There is Ty Montgomery, who transitioned from receiver last season and ended his season with an impressive showing in his first season as running back.
There is, also, the lone fullback, Aaron Ripkowski. These two are expected to be all but guaranteed for the roster. The rest is going to be a fight amongst the rookies. There are five rookies making their push for the Packers roster: Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, Devante Mays, Kaliff Phillips, and William Stanback.
Two of these rookies who are making real cases for their roster inclusion, Jamaal Williams, and Aaron Jones.
Jamaal Williams
WIlliams was selected in the fourth round out of Brigham Young University. He was a big playmaker at BYU and set the schools career rushing record with 3,901 yards. He is the kind of running back that flourishes running between the tackles. He is that type of back that is built for the red zone.
This quality and his playmaker ability is catching the eyes of his coaches. Brent Sobelski, of Bleacher Report, reported that Williams could be a "surprise rookie gem" out of this years draft.
Aaron Jones
Jones was drafted out of University of Texas- El Paso (UTEP) as the 182nd pick. He left college as the owner of numerous school career rushing records, such as the all time career rushing (4114 yards) and the single season rushing record (1773 yards).
He's a finesse type of runner with great down field vision. He also has great hands and is great in the flat. Packers coaching staff complemented him after the draft by saying he "consistently beat the angle of the safety".
Battle of the Backs
There are 3 other rookies who have the same dreams and aspirations as Jones and Williams.
The difference is the show that the latter two are bringing to the table. Reports have boiled this down to these two major prospects as having real opportunities and ability to contribute. The interesting dynamic to this battle is the two completely different styles of play that both backs play. Packers fans should feel hopeful that their running game is going to get a, much needed, pick me up.
