Training camp brings with it a share of classic clichés.
Every team is poised to be a Super Bowl contender, every rookie is a star in the making, and every veteran or new addition looks “The best they’ve ever been.”
It’s optimism season, and many of these fun summer stories will be debunked by late September. But that doesn’t mean it’s all malarkey. For example, Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon is generating the right type of preseason hype and making every opportunity count.
It’s hard to deny Dillon looks like he’s in the best shape of his life, and it’s not like he wasn’t already an impressive physical specimen. Many consider Dillon a potential trade or cut candidate thanks to re-signing on a veteran minimum contract and considering that the Packers drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round. However, Dillon is on his way to regaining a clear RB2 status and taking a leap forward.
Dillon is one of the more delightful Packers in recent history and a fixture of the community. Still, his status in Green Bay could have gone either way after his 2023 contract year.
With Aaron Jones sidelined for much of the 2023 season, Dillon got to be the bell-cow back. Unfortunately, the numbers weren’t great — 613 rushing yards, two rushing TDs, and a 3.4-yard average. He wasn’t able to use his size to his advantage enough, evidenced by his 2.69 yards after contact and 6.7 missed tackle rate.
In Dillon’s defense, the offensive line was horrendous at run blocking in the early season, and the entire offense wasn’t clicking. Still, it was a less-than-ideal spotlight year for a player who needed a good season.
When free agency came around, Dillon accepted a minimum deal to stay in Green Bay rather than explore other options. When the Packers drafted Lloyd in the third round, it looked like Dillon could lose his RB2 spot behind new RB1 Josh Jacobs.
Still, Dillon made an impression early, showing up to training camp in the best shape of his life — like, for real. Dillon has always drawn eyes because of his size. However, he went from 252 lbs. and 9% body fat to 245 lbs. and around 4% body fat. Meanwhile, I look like a Snorlax blocking the way.
Matt LaFleur loves what he’s seen from the fifth-year back so far.
“This is the best I’ve seen him,” he said. “Hands down. And I think he’d tell you the same. It’s a testament to the work he’s put in. He came back and he’s in great shape. I was joking with him the other day, you can see the abs on him. That’s hard for a big man to do. He looks like he’s in great shape. I think he’s in a great place mentally. Obviously, we know what he’s capable of doing. I think he’s in a really good position to show his best.”
Not that I’d know anything about it, but looking good is one thing. How is it translating on the field?
Pretty well.
Lloyd remains an exciting rookie with the potential to be a star down the road, but a hip injury has sidelined him. He only started individual drills again this Tuesday, which has given Dillon plenty of play behind Jacobs.
The offense struggled the first week of camp without Love and with a shuffling offensive line. Still, Dillon has shown some really nice things when given the chance. Dillon has shown an improved stiff arm, allowing him to fight for yards better. Eyewitness reports have been impressed with his burst and acceleration compared to previous seasons.
Dillon has even been considered a potential blocker on the kickoff return team as the team navigated the new kickoff rules. Dillon has always stated his willingness to do anything for the team, and finding a special teams role gives him an extra edge.
Green Bay typically shares the backfield to avoid overloading their best runner. Having a capable No. 2 who knows the offense and can handle a good share of carries is important, and Dillon can be that guy. He wasn’t terribly efficient last season, but he was far from bad, and we’ve seen him turn heads in his first two seasons.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich clearly views Dillon as the RB2, stating, “Any time you can have Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon, that’s a pretty good one-two combination right there. I’m excited to see those guys this year.”
He also complimented Dillon on how hard he’s been running the ball.
It’ll still be a tall task for Dillon to stand out. Jacobs is obviously the No. 1 guy. If Lloyd is as advertised, he’ll get his shot sooner rather than later. Emanuel Wilson has been arguably the most impressive rusher in practice thus far. It’s a crowded room with only so many snaps to go around.
Still, the Packers tend to favor their veterans, and Dillon is doing everything right. By taking advantage of every opportunity and putting in the work the right way, the Mayor of Door County could surprise people in his re-election campaign.
