2024 3rd round #88 MarShawn Lloyd RB

[milani]

Ya gotta love Uecker. He said he got no appreciation for playing so many games hungover. His point was anyone could play baseball with a clear head.

It's right along the lines of the ground ball he said he missed because the sun got in his eyes. And even that's interesting because he played catcher. How many ground balls did he field?

He's Uecker, and he's all Milwaukee. What a guy.

He got to sit in the front row!

 

[Heyjoe4]

Totally just spitballing... I wonder if it isn't possible that Dillon's future isn't seen as more of a FB as alluded to above, more of a specialist type position. The 49ers for instance have generally been keeping 3 running backs active, but also Juszczyk as a fullback. Perhaps we would look to do similar?

Good catch M. I'm a little surprised that the press never picked up on this. It's my understanding that MLF loves to have a FB at his disposal. Dillon is close to perfect for the position. He certainly has the strength to handle the position, he's a decent receiver, and if he gets some blocking, he can hit a gap pretty quickly for 4-6 yards. A versatile FB. Don't hear that very often.

Personally, I'd love to see that work out for the good of the team and Dillon. He clearly loves GB and WI, he's a fan favorite. Seems like a great match. As always, it will come down to how MLF and Gluten decide on the 53 and who is active on game day. Anyway, I like it.

 

[tynimiller]

LOL I believe it was me and Dantes or @Voyageur that tried tipping everyone off based on usage and his insanely good blocking skillset Dillon was likely heading that way this year, then in presser MLF even shared his deployment was going to be very diverse and not just a HB. It's been a concept I think anyone watching saw coming.

 

[Heyjoe4]

He got to sit in the front row!

On man milani, you and Amish are killing me (and dating me) with these Uecker references. I think you're referring to a Miller Lite commercial where he always bragged about sitting in the front roooooow at a game.

Uecker and Al McGuire. Milwaukee's Best (pun intended).

 

[tynimiller]

On topic of the thread, Lloyd is possible to return this week from IR - first week that is possible. Be interesting to hear what is happening.

 

[Heyjoe4]

LOL I believe it was me and Dantes or @Voyageur that tried tipping everyone off based on usage and his insanely good blocking skillset Dillon was likely heading that way this year, then in presser MLF even shared his deployment was going to be very diverse and not just a HB. It's been a concept I think anyone watching saw coming.

I'll admit to wondering if he was a better FB when he started playing, but then he was never played at the position, or not often and not that I remember. The idea just kind of faded, well for me. Some of you guys spotted it and I hope it plays out that way.

 

[Voyageur]

LOL I believe it was me and Dantes or @Voyageur that tried tipping everyone off based on usage and his insanely good blocking skillset Dillon was likely heading that way this year, then in presser MLF even shared his deployment was going to be very diverse and not just a HB. It's been a concept I think anyone watching saw coming.

I was one of those pointing at Dillon as being more of a fullback/H-back, because his blocking skills far exceeded everyone on the team at that time. That would still apply.

What Dillon adds to that role is that he can be a power runner for short yardage as well, and has decent enough hands that he's also a threat in that department. Role players, in today's NFL, are a necessity, because the have a combination of skills that make them a little different kind of threat, and support, for others.

As an example, a good blocking H-back/fullback can be important in picking up pass rush from the blind side of a QB, saving them from being pressured, or taking a hard hit that can disrupt a play. Bill Walsh turned that role into one of the backbones of the 49ers offense, and it worked to perfection. LeFleur has that same offensive approach to the game.

As for Jacobs, he's done everything that they've asked of him, including carrying the team in a game where they went in concerned about having to throw the ball. His efforts in that game was enormous, and every down that he's in the game, the opposition needs to honor the run because of his chops between the tackles, even on 3rd and 9, because he's good at finding seams in defenses.

What we're seeing with him in the lineup is more balance to the offense. He's more consistent in his runs than Jones was. A steady 3 to 5 yards a carry far exceeds the 20 yard carry then four more where you don't get a yard. You move the markers, then the chains steadily down the field, and wear the opposing defense down, and keeping your own defense fresh.

 

[tynimiller]

I was one of those pointing at Dillon as being more of a fullback/H-back, because his blocking skills far exceeded everyone on the team at that time. That would still apply.

What Dillon adds to that role is that he can be a power runner for short yardage as well, and has decent enough hands that he's also a threat in that department. Role players, in today's NFL, are a necessity, because the have a combination of skills that make them a little different kind of threat, and support, for others.

As an example, a good blocking H-back/fullback can be important in picking up pass rush from the blind side of a QB, saving them from being pressured, or taking a hard hit that can disrupt a play. Bill Walsh turned that role into one of the backbones of the 49ers offense, and it worked to perfection. LeFleur has that same offensive approach to the game.

As for Jacobs, he's done everything that they've asked of him, including carrying the team in a game where they went in concerned about having to throw the ball. His efforts in that game was enormous, and every down that he's in the game, the opposition needs to honor the run because of his chops between the tackles, even on 3rd and 9, because he's good at finding seams in defenses.

What we're seeing with him in the lineup is more balance to the offense. He's more consistent in his runs than Jones was. A steady 3 to 5 yards a carry far exceeds the 20 yard carry then four more where you don't get a yard. You move the markers, then the chains steadily down the field, and wear the opposing defense down, and keeping your own defense fresh.

Yup, I loved Aaron, BUT Jacobs is a better running back. Aaron was/is a better home run playmaker...but not a better running back.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I was one of those pointing at Dillon as being more of a fullback/H-back, because his blocking skills far exceeded everyone on the team at that time. That would still apply.

What Dillon adds to that role is that he can be a power runner for short yardage as well, and has decent enough hands that he's also a threat in that department. Role players, in today's NFL, are a necessity, because the have a combination of skills that make them a little different kind of threat, and support, for others.

As an example, a good blocking H-back/fullback can be important in picking up pass rush from the blind side of a QB, saving them from being pressured, or taking a hard hit that can disrupt a play. Bill Walsh turned that role into one of the backbones of the 49ers offense, and it worked to perfection. LeFleur has that same offensive approach to the game.

As for Jacobs, he's done everything that they've asked of him, including carrying the team in a game where they went in concerned about having to throw the ball. His efforts in that game was enormous, and every down that he's in the game, the opposition needs to honor the run because of his chops between the tackles, even on 3rd and 9, because he's good at finding seams in defenses.

What we're seeing with him in the lineup is more balance to the offense. He's more consistent in his runs than Jones was. A steady 3 to 5 yards a carry far exceeds the 20 yard carry then four more where you don't get a yard. You move the markers, then the chains steadily down the field, and wear the opposing defense down, and keeping your own defense fresh.

I think we all love Aaron Jones, but the switch to Jacobs was the right one. Jacobs is not a glamorous runner but as you say, he'll consistently get 4 or 5 yards on a carry. And he's durable. Jones' biggest issue imo was his size. About 20 lbs too light for a HB in the NFL today. His injury history bears that out.

Still love the guy though, vi-queens aside.

 

[PikeBadger]

Jones is more fun to watch but Jacobs is the RB this offense needed, especially when Dillon went down. Wilson is a good complement to Jacobs. We've managed to maintain a good balance at that position. Kudos to staff & management.

 

[gopkrs]

Honestly, RB's are a dime a dozen in the NFL, I don't see the Packers getting enough to make it worth their while to trade Wilson. Wilson now knows and is familiar with the system, his value is much greater to the Packers than it probably is to another team.

Mostly I agree but not with RBs are a dime a dozen. Most of them could have a great day but that does not make them dime a dozen imo. And definitely agree that Wilson has shown he is an asset right here and trading him would not make sense for us and we would not get back the value he has for us. If Jacobs goes down a couple weeks; we will need him.

 

[gopkrs]

Theoretically Dillon should make a good fullback. I'm not convinced he is really the tough blocker that the position requires though.

 

[milani]

On man milani, you and Amish are killing me (and dating me) with these Uecker references. I think you're referring to a Miller Lite commercial where he always bragged about sitting in the front roooooow at a game.

Uecker and Al McGuire. Milwaukee's Best (pun intended).

At least he could tell when an infielder missed the tag. Not all umps could see that.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Jones is more fun to watch but Jacobs is the RB this offense needed, especially when Dillon went down. Wilson is a good complement to Jacobs. We've managed to maintain a good balance at that position. Kudos to staff & management.

Jones was fun to watch, but I held my breath every time he weaved his way through DLs, LBs, CBs, and the dreaded Safeties. He's also just a terrific guy.

Jacobs gives the team more reliability, a guy who will consistently average around 5 YPC with a very workman-like approach. He's a grinder. Jacobs and Wilson are exactly what this team needs. The RPO, especially with Love back under center, and MLF's use of motion on almost every play will keep defenses guessing.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't envision a likely scenario where Lloyd will ever be our starting RB this season. I think he's clearly 4th on the depth chart now and unless Wilson gets injured, I don't see Lloyd surpassing him this season. Wilson imo, looks like he's earned the confidence of the coaching staff stacking very solid games like he has. Wilson is now averaging 8 touches a game and has appeared to be reasonably competent blocking and secure with the ball. I think he's been very successful in all phases for such an inexperienced player.

If you go back and look I said Starter as in RB2 since we gave 2 starting RB’s. If I say Starting WR? I’m not suggesting someone in particular would be a WR1 every week. Thats kinda obvious there imo.

It’s easy to discount Lloyd he hasn’t even barely played. Once Lloyd gets on the field on a regular basis I think he’ll surpass Wilson fairly quickly as in next year. Wilson is a low end RB2 imo.

I also think Lloyd will play this year. Until that happens it’s kinda a moot point making any prediction whatsoever.

 

[Heyjoe4]

If you go back and look I said Starter as in RB2 since we gave 2 starting RB’s. If I say Starting WR? I’m not suggesting someone in particular would be a WR1 every week. Thats kinda obvious there imo.

It’s easy to discount Lloyd he hasn’t even barely played. Once Lloyd gets on the field on a regular basis I think he’ll surpass Wilson fairly quickly as in next year. Wilson is a low end RB2 imo.

I also think Lloyd will play this year. Until that happens it’s kinda a moot point making any prediction whatsoever.

I like Wilson as RB2. He's been solid and that has surprised me. With Jacobs healthy and playing very well, Wilson just won't get that many chances.

As for Lloyd, I'm guessing we won't see him this year unless there are injuries. Jacobs is a beast, Wilson is doing well as backup, Brooks is ok but nothing special.

I admit I'd like to see Lloyd play. It's always possible, but I'd rather the guys playing stay healthy. The running game has been a strength, along with OL blocking.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Looking at what Detroit accomplishes with 2 very good RB's in Montgomery and Gibbs makes me wonder how much better the Packer offense would be if they had kept Aaron Jones. I watched some of the Viking game last night and damn it, I miss AJ!

 

[milani]

Looking at what Detroit accomplishes with 2 very good RB's in Montgomery and Gibbs makes me wonder how much better the Packer offense would be if they had kept Aaron Jones. I watched some of the Viking game last night and damn it, I miss AJ!

I do not think that is all of it. The offensive line has a piece of it and so do our blocking receivers. Both the Lions and Vikings are strong at TE. Both have good offensive lines. Be interesting also to see how our offense compares to those teams in regard to penalties. When you are at 2nd and 1 and pass twice at the 8 yard line something else is out of place.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I do not think that is all of it. The offensive line has a piece of it and so do our blocking receivers. Both the Lions and Vikings are strong at TE. Both have good offensive lines. Be interesting also to see how our offense compares to those teams in regard to penalties. When you are at 2nd and 1 and pass twice at the 8 yard line something else is out of place.

I agree.

I will also say that Lions OC Ben Johnson absolutely schooled the Packers defense as well as totally showed me why MLF needs to give up play calling and bring in a skilled and proven OC that can do it. I used to blame Adam Stenavich for poor calls, but I am now pretty sure it is MLF calling the plays. Don't get me wrong, I think MLF has a brilliant football mind, but I'd prefer a separate coach calling the offensive plays. I think MLF has gotten a bit predictable, not all that creative and doesn't make a lot of in game adjustments. When a defense is shutting you down on swing passes or runs up the middle, figure it out, go to something else.

So much going on in the game of football, I just think a HC should manage the game and not worry about managing the calls on offense.

 

[Magooch]

Yeah, my general sense of it is that LaFleur is a GREAT "scheme" guy; I think he generally does a good job of setting the offense up and tends to maximize the talent at his disposal...But that's more of a "big picture" outlook. When it comes to the details, the "day-to-day," the in-game management type stuff...that's where I think it tends to fall apart sometimes. Often seems like when things get tough he has a tendency to overthink a little bit, get a bit rattled/flustered and it just starts to get away from him. Scared money don't make money, as they say...

 

[milani]

Yeah, my general sense of it is that LaFleur is a GREAT "scheme" guy; I think he generally does a good job of setting the offense up and tends to maximize the talent at his disposal...But that's more of a "big picture" outlook. When it comes to the details, the "day-to-day," the in-game management type stuff...that's where I think it tends to fall apart sometimes. Often seems like when things get tough he has a tendency to overthink a little bit, get a bit rattled/flustered and it just starts to get away from him. Scared money don't make money, as they say...

Right. There is a difference in the game plan, the game adjustments, and the game execution.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Yeah, my general sense of it is that LaFleur is a GREAT "scheme" guy; I think he generally does a good job of setting the offense up and tends to maximize the talent at his disposal...But that's more of a "big picture" outlook. When it comes to the details, the "day-to-day," the in-game management type stuff...that's where I think it tends to fall apart sometimes. Often seems like when things get tough he has a tendency to overthink a little bit, get a bit rattled/flustered and it just starts to get away from him. Scared money don't make money, as they say...

Yes, and in today's fast past, technology infused world that we live in, you better be at the top of your game calling plays or as we saw yesterday, the better coached team wins.

I have never understood the coach that wears too many hats. Yes, some coaches like Andy Reid do it well, but even Reid has handed over play calling at times in his career. I think some of the areas where it really bites the Packers in the backside, is in rushed, fast paced, need to manage the clock situations.

Again, not saying MLF doesn't have a great football mind, but I think if you asked him this. "Matt, if you could clone yourself and have your clone solely call plays and you manage the other stuff, would you" He would answer "yes".

I was surprised to read that MLF only called plays for 1 season (with Titans) before he became the Packer HC. He was the OC for the Rams in 2017, but McVay called the plays. In his 1 season calling plays for the Titans, they finished 9-7, but were ranked 27th in scoring offense.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I agree.

I will also say that Lions OC Ben Johnson absolutely schooled the Packers defense as well as totally showed me why MLF needs to give up play calling and bring in a skilled and proven OC that can do it. I used to blame Adam Stenavich for poor calls, but I am now pretty sure it is MLF calling the plays. Don't get me wrong, I think MLF has a brilliant football mind, but I'd prefer a separate coach calling the offensive plays. I think MLF has gotten a bit predictable, not all that creative and doesn't make a lot of in game adjustments. When a defense is shutting you down on swing passes or runs up the middle, figure it out, go to something else.

So much going on in the game of football, I just think a HC should manage the game and not worry about managing the calls on offense.

Since Holmgren, the Packer's HC has called the offensive plays. Hell Holmgren wanted to add GM to his responsibilities. I agree that it would be better to have a creative guy whose only response was the offense. MLF is a bright guy so don't get me wrong. But he's responsible for the O, D, and STs.

That may also be why the Packers keep making the same mistakes week-to-week this year - penalties by O and D and STs, dropped passes, an underperforming DL and pass rush, and truly weird play by the QB. If MLF is tied up in creating and calling the offensive game plan, how can he step back and assess the bigger picture and where his coordinators need to step up, or make adjustments?

 

[OldSchool101]

The running game has been a strength, along with OL blocking.

Thats one of the reasons I’m also optimistic. Our blocking in the Run game has been good. That helps any RB to see the field more by default. Marshawn immediately busted a nice 15+ around the left edge but I think if I recall it was erased by penalty? Anyway our blocking will help his cause once he’s back.

 

[OldSchool101]

Predraft Marshawn fell more squarely in Round 4 by most scouting accounts. In that best 6-8 RB’s area. The Packers using their first of two 3rd Round selections speaks to the fact they felt Lloyd was undervalued by consensus ratings pre draft. Brian said so himself. When Gutey traded Rasul he claimed that with a 80-something overall draft selections they were often eyeballing a top 50 area value player in our draft board. Based on his own statements we can reasonably deduce that if we trust Brian, we just drafted at least a guy boarded in the 60’s overall worst case. If they are correct Marshawn is going to be a really good complement to Jacobs in fairly short order. If not? Imo We would’ve never wasted a top 88 selection at a position that’s largely been devalued in recent history.

I do think Marshawn will need some time to acclimate. His biggest concern is holding onto the ball so that must be addressed also. The other concern is his injury history. He recovered from an ACL in 2020. In 2024 he’s been injured 3 times. Once to start camp, once to start preseason and once to start regular season against the Colts. The culmination of overlapping injuries landed him in IR. I think we had the luxury to do that with Wilson being a pleasant surprise early on.

All this said. It’s highly likely this high ankle sprain is temporary and they want to be careful we don’t compound his injuries. I suspect he’ll be back in the next 2-3 games at latest and gradually ramped up for the last 6 or 7 games. I don’t be expect immediate results game 1. I do think we’ll see some explosive plays down the last 4-5 games if he’s out there healthy.