The Packers Could Hit Two Birds With One Stone By Drafting Bhayshul Tuten

The Green Bay Packers have core running backs under contract for 2025. Josh Jacobs led the team with over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He also recorded the most yards after contact by a Packers running back since Ryan Grant in 2008.

In addition to Jacobs, Green Bay invested a third-round pick in MarShawn Lloyd last year, hoping he could develop into a key contributor. However, injuries limited him to six carries in his rookie season. With a full offseason to recover, the Packers will be looking for him to bounce back and add depth to the backfield in 2025.

Amid Lloyd's absence, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks contributed to Green Bay’s backfield depth. Both are set to become free agents this offseason, leaving the Packers with decisions to make. Given that Brooks is a better pass-blocker, Green Bay seems more likely to prioritize retaining him.

However, it’s not out of the question that the team moves on from both, which would leave them needing additional depth at the position. With Jacobs and Lloyd locked in for 2025, the Packers aren’t in the market for a lead back, but they may still look to add depth.

Bhayshul Tuten made a strong impression at the NFL Combine and is an intriguing option.

Tuten showcased elite speed at the combine, running a 4.38 unofficial in his first 40-yard dash and a 4.32 in his second, the fastest time among running backs. Only Chris Johnson, Dri Archer, Keith Marshall, and De’Von Achane have recorded a faster mark.

His explosiveness extended beyond his 40-yard dash. Tuten recorded a 40.5” vertical jump and a 1.49-second 10-yard split, both the best among running backs this year. He also posted a 10'10" broad jump, tied for second at the position.

Tuten is an outstanding athlete, but he’s undersized.

“You wish he was just a little bit bigger with how physically he runs, but I really like him,” an AFC scouting director said. “He’s loosey-goosey in the open field, and he gives you real big-play juice if he gets it blocked up.”

Still, the Packers could find ways to maximize his strengths. His speed and explosiveness make him a threat in space and, with the right scheme, he could add a dynamic element to Matt LaFleur’s team.

I purposely said “LaFleur’s team” because Tuten’s impact could extend beyond the offense to special teams. The Packers have an All-Pro returner in Keisean Nixon, but he’d rather focus on being a starting cornerback than returning kicks.

I assume Green Bay will push for Nixon to continue in that role, but Tuten offers an explosive alternative if he moves on from return duties. His speed and agility could add much-needed playmaking to a special teams unit that has long been a weakness for the Packers.

The Packers would list Tuten as a running back on the depth chart, but I’d expect him to play more of a gadget role in LaFleur’s offense. He could take carries if they need him to, but the best way to maximize his skillset would be to get him the ball in space on designed horizontal plays and screens, allowing him to use his agility to make defenders miss.

Like any prospect, Tuten has flaws. He struggled with ball security at Virginia Tech, fumbling nine times over the past two seasons. He’ll also need to add muscle to handle a full-time running back role in the NFL.

Still, his athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing developmental piece. With the right coaching, he could become a dynamic gadget player who adds a unique element to any offense.

Running back is an under-the-radar position that Green Bay could prioritize on Day 3 of the draft. Tuten offers the right value and the versatility to contribute on offense and special teams – something the Packers would highly value.

Green Bay's direction largely depends on whether they retain Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks, or both. Adding a dynamic depth piece like Tuten becomes even more appealing if they move on from Wilson and Brooks (or both). The Packers have drafted a running back in four of the last five years, and I’d expect Brian Gutekunst to consider adding to the room again.