The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Within a few hours, The Green Bay Packers have agreed to terms with Josh Jacobs and released Aaron Jones.
Instead of having to find a new running back for Jones, Brian Gutekunst will now look for a runner to pair with the team's new linebacker.
One prospect they could target in the 2024 NFL Draft as they look to complete their running back depth chart is Rasheen Ali. Marshall's team checks in at number 59 in the countdown to unpack the future.
Ali, a former two-star recruit from Ohio State, broke out in 2021, when he rushed for 1,401 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 45 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown. The following season, Ali missed a large portion of the season due to a leg injury.
Last season, Ali rushed for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Ohio native added 28 receptions for 213 yards and one touchdown.
“Marshall’s offense is designed, in large part, for Ali to have success and get the bulk of the touches,” Luke Creasy, Marshall athletics writer for the Herald-Dispatch, said. “The passing attack hasn't been that strong the last couple of years, and Ali likely would have finished his collegiate career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons had he not suffered an injury in preseason camp that caused him to miss ten games in 2022. The Herd relied on their running back for production; Ali succeeded in that.
Ali works with good patience and rhythm. Marshall, a running back, has good vision and a natural ability to find the cutting path. Makes sharp cuts without slowing down. It clears the hole with blast and can reach top speed quickly.
“He's a patient runner,” Creasy said. “If there's no lane, he'll wait until space opens up and then try to hit the gaps. He burned many defenders running up the middle and bouncing to the outside last year, and if he gets into space, there's an extra burst of speed saved when he hits the open court.”
Ali is explosive in short areas and finds a second gear to destroy chasing angles. He has home run ability and finished last season with 24 runs of 10+ yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Ali racked up 536 yards after contact last season.
“When he gets into the open field, he's hard to catch,” Creasy said. “He's crafty at the line of scrimmage and then he can turn on the burners. He's tough to tackle in space unless there's someone quick enough to catch him from behind the backfield.”
Ali looks natural at catching passes and running routes. He's skilled in space and can turn a simple swing pass into an explosive play.
“He had a bigger role in the passing game later in his career than he did at the beginning, which is a testament to his continued growth while at Marshall,” Cressy said. “He's elusive in the open field and the Herd threw him out wide last season, connecting on two different occasions. He's got good hands and great awareness and can make plays anywhere on the field.
Suit up with the Packers
Jacobs just turned 26 in February, and is a year away from leading the league in rushing. Now it's up to Gutekunst to find a linebacker that meshes well with the former Las Vegas Raider.
Ali checks the boxes with his explosiveness, vision and pass-catching ability. With the Packers holding six picks on Day 3, Ali could be a target for the Packers as they aim to supplement the running back room behind Jones.
“He is a versatile piece in any offensive system and has shown the ability to bring value to himself in any offense,” Cressy said. “There was a huge shift in the offensive scheme between his rookie year in 2021 and his final season in 2023, and in both, he was able to find a way to be the most productive offensive player on the field. Mentally, he's as tough as they come.”
Jacobs' signing was a huge surprise. For a few short minutes, Green Bay fans were imagining a one-two punch for Jones and Jacobs.
Now, it's up to Gutekunst to add a running back or two in the draft to the team with Jacobs to round out the running back room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
