Rising sixth-year running back, Aaron Jones, will begin his 2022 NFL season alongside a very new-looking Packers offense. Here’s why recent changes to Green Bay’s depth chart make Aaron Jones a great RB1 selection in your upcoming fantasy football draft.
Aaron Jones’ Career Overview
Jones was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he split carries with fellow first-year RB, Jamaal Williams. The share of touches held Jones to somewhat average numbers for his first two NFL seasons. However, in year three, he established himself as Green Bay’s RB1 and a fantasy football powerhouse. Throughout his 2019 campaign, Jones ran for 1,084 yards, hauled in 474 receiving yards, and found the endzone a whopping 19 times. He carried on his good play in 2020, running for another 1,000-yard season, catching 355 yards through the air, and tacked on 11 touchdowns. Due to a pair of knee injuries last season, Jones was limited to 15 games. Nonetheless, he contributed nearly 1,200 scrimmage yards and scored a total of ten times.
2022 Expectations
Entering his sixth NFL season, Jones is expected to once again be the go-to running back for Green Bay. While we should see fellow RB, A.J. Dillon in the backfield from time to time, Packer’s quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, has made it clear that much of their offense in 2022 will be centered around the running back position. Earlier this week, Rodgers expressed concerns to the media surrounding Green Bay’s receiving corps. It was further mentioned that “50 catches” is a realistic reception number for Jones this upcoming season.
Earlier this offseason, the Packer’s traded away their long-time WR1, Devante Adams. They were also unable to retain their fourth-year wideout, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, as his price moved outside of the team’s budget. These two developments in particular should prove beneficial for Jones’ fantasy value. During the absence of Adams in the past, Jones’ receiving statistics have dramatically improved. When Adams was not on the field, Jones averaged nearly five receptions and 23 PPR fantasy points per game.
Look for Jones to be an even more key player in Green Bay’s offense and to be selected 6th-9th in the running back position for standard 12-team leagues.
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