The Green Bay Packers are heading into the 2024 season with a ton of confidence.  The latter half of the 2023 season had the Packers playing as well as anyone in the league.  The off-season has been spent getting younger while remaining competitive.

However, the Packers may have a different plan for one of their starters they chose to keep.

The Green Bay Packers May Have A Different Plan For One Of Their Starters

Running back AJ Dillon may have a new role this season, according to Head Coach Matt LaFleur:

“The things he was able to bring from a pass protection standpoint—this was his best year in pass pro. We know what we’re getting with AJ Dillon,” said LaFleur.

“I think there’s some versatility that we can start to use with him moving forward, and trying to be more of a moveable piece, not just a tailback.”

“AJ is another guy who can be a high-volume guy. Unfortunately, this last year he battled through some stuff,” said LaFleur.

If the Packers add another running back in the draft, especially if they have high expectations for second-year Emanuel Wilson, Dillon could be challenged for a roster spot. Taking on a more significant role as a “movable piece” in LaFleur’s offense will increase Dillon’s chances.

His pass-blocking ability is underrated, and it could help him keep a roster spot.

AJ Dillon with his first career touchdown. Many more to come 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/lGx0vf3IoR

— 🧀🧀 (@OGpackersFan) December 28, 2020

AJ Dillon Has Had An Up And Down Career With The Packers

While Dillon struggled last season during Jones’ extended absence and finished with a career-worst 3.4-yard average, he has been a valuable role player over the last few years.

According to one report:

The best evidence is a Pro Football Reference stat called “Success Rate.”  It matches Green Bay’s win/loss grading system. Any run that gains 40 percent of the yards on first down (a 4-yard run on first-and-10, for instance), at least 60 percent of the remaining yards on second down and all the remaining yards on third or fourth down is a “success.”

From 2021 through 2023, 50 running backs had at least 275 carries. Dillon’s success rate of 55.9 percent was No. 1 in the NFL. Even in a disappointing 2023, his 50.0 percent success rate ranked 10th out of 41 running backs with at least 110 carries.

Dillon will be a very interesting name to watch in 2024 when it comes to playing time as well as actual touches.