Second in a 2024 Packers position grades series.

GREEN BAY − Grading the Green Bay Packers running backs for the 2024 season.

Josh Jacobs grade

Signed four-year, $48 million contract as free agent from Las Vegas last spring, making him NFL’s fifth-highest-paid running back. Became offense’s identity in Pro Bowl season . Finished with 1,410 rushing yards on 319 carries and 16 touchdowns in 18 games, including playoff. Second-highest rushing total in his career, behind only 1,653 yards in 2022 when he was NFL’s rushing champion. Fifth most rushing yards for a Packers player in single regular season. Tied for third most rushing touchdowns. Finished season finding end zone on ground in each of final nine games, longest streak in franchise history. Instantly infused offense with physical brand.

Ran like a charging bull, breaking an astounding 97 tackles and making 25 miss. Got stronger as season progressed. Ran through Bears safety Elijah Hicks on 7-yard touchdown run with eight defenders in box. Broke 13 tackles against 49ers, including running over safety Malik Mustapha at 1-yard line on first of three 1-yard touchdowns. Broke eight tackles five days later against Dolphins, including running through cornerback Storm Duck at 1-yard line for touchdown. Shed Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes off his waist at line of scrimmage and bulldozed safety Brian Branch at second level on 6-yard touchdown in Detroit. With wicked stiff arm, threw Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu to ground at end of 20-yard run. Broke tackle against Eagles safety Reed Blankenship on second level, drug linebacker Oren Burks, plowed over nickel back Cooper DeJean and carried cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell down to 1-yard line on 31-yard run to end third quarter in playoff game.

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Proved to be a capable receiver, catching 39 passes on 46 targets for 382 yards. No drops. Mostly used as checkdown or screen option, leading to 459 yards after catch. Caught first career touchdown on 8-yard screen against Texans, making linebacker Jake Hansen miss in open field. Ran out of tackle against Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, juked linebacker Tyrel Dodson, ran through safety Elijah Campbell and shed safety Jordan Poyer on 49-yard checkdown. Split wide left against Eagles for 15-yard catch on slant route, showing he may be more than a screen and checkdown option in passing game next season.

Doesn’t have Saquon Barkley’s home-run burst, tied for 11th in NFL with seven runs of at least 20 yards. Had seven receptions with at least 20 yards after catch. More of a continual pile driver with power to run over defenders downfield. Solid in pass protection, allowed four pressures and three quarterback hits, one batted pass. One false start penalty. Five fumbles, three lost were only glaring blemish on otherwise stunning season.

Emanuel Wilson grade

Second-year running back saw significant development after going undrafted out of Fort Valley State in 2023. Assumed backup role behind Jacobs after MarShawn Lloyd’s season was derailed because of injuries. Finished with 508 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 106 carries. Solid 4.8-yard average showed playmaking potential. Good burst into the hole, more of a quick-paced back, but learned from observing Jacobs’ run style.

Broke 19 tackles with eight missed a year after breaking no tackles with only two missed on 26 carries in 2023. Playmaking also showed as receiving threat, catching 11 passes on 14 targets for 48 yards. No drops. Had 133 yards after catch, three receptions with at least 20 yards after catch. Outraced Titans defense to end zone on 30-yard touchdown off screen pass, making cornerback miss downfield.

Capable blocker, kicked Eagles safety Reed Blankenship out of hole on perimeter to open 33-yard touchdown on Jayden Reed reverse. Allowed two pressures, one quarterback hit and one sack. Didn’t pick up outside stunt allowing Vikings outside linebacker Pat Jones II to reach Jordan Love in Week 4. Good blitz pick up sliding to edge against Vikings rusher Dallas Turner, buying time for Love to find Dontayvion Wicks on 6-yard touchdown later in game. One false start. Set for intense battle to be Jacobs’ backup in 2025.

Good find from Packers pro scouting department, signing second-year tailback one day after Dolphins reached injury settlement at end of camp. Originally joined Packers practice squad, elevated to active roster two weeks later.

Played 15 games, assuming something close to a fullback role in offense. Blocking was key when offense went to two-back sets. Opened six runs of at least 10 yards with a key block. Sealed Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa on edge, allowing Emanuel Wilson to bounce outside on 16-yard run. Lead block on second level against 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell sprung Josh Jacobs for 18. Allowed four run stuffs, one tackle for loss. Whiffed block against Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt, allowing tackle for loss on Bo Melton sweep. One pressure, two quarterback hits allowed. No sacks.

Showed potential as ball carrier in limited opportunities, rushing for 183 yards and one touchdown on 36 carries. Broke six tackles, two missed. Slid short of goal line late in fourth quarter at Jacksonville, recognizing Jaguars defense was allowing touchdown to get ball back, and set up game-winning field goal. Rewarded later in season with first career score on 1-yard plunge against Saints. Caught 11 passes on 13 targets for 69 yards. One drop on third-down pass thrown behind him against Detroit, preventing early touchdown. Had 125 yards after catch.

One tripping penalty. Added 132 special teams reps. As third option in backfield, an offense could do much worse.

MarShawn Lloyd grade

Third-round rookie draft pick had season derailed with injuries before it even got going. Pulled hamstring on 8-yard run at Browns in preseason. Didn’t play opener but got six carries for 15 yards Week 2 against Colts. Showed burst on 16-yard run that was called back because of Bo Melton holding penalty. Exited game with sprained ankle and placed on injured reserve. Appeared to be making comeback in November, but emergency surgery for appendicitis ended his year.

Clear potential as change-of-pace tailback but will need to stay healthy and beat out Emanuel Wilson for the job in 2025.

Andrew Beck grade

Signed to practice squad after being released by Texans after training camp. Elevated to active roster for gameday three times in October.

Good downfield block against Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V opened 10-plus-yard run for Bo Melton on end around.

Released after using maximum third callup against Texans instead of being added to 53-man roster. Rejoined Texans practice squad later in season.