Kaytron Allen Could Fill An Underrated Need for Green Bay

As the Green Bay Packers enter the offseason, running back has emerged as a subtle yet important need on their roster. While Josh Jacobs is under contract through the 2027 season, the reality is that he’s about to turn 28, and his cap hit is set to rise significantly. In 2026, Jacobs will count $14.5 million against the cap, and by 2027, that number will climb to $16.6 million—sizable amounts for a running back nearing the back end of his career. While Jacobs has been highly productive, the Packers will need to plan for the future of the position sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, both of whom have shown promise in limited roles, are set to become restricted free agents. The Packers will have the opportunity to retain either of them through qualifying offers, giving them the right of first refusal and potential draft-pick compensation if either player signs elsewhere. While it’s likely that one of them will return, there is still a need to look beyond the immediate future for long-term stability in the backfield.

The Packers’ Running Back Situation and the Need for Depth

The Packers’ backfield appears solid in the short term, with Jacobs continuing to be the focal point of the offense. However, the long-term outlook is somewhat uncertain, especially considering the rising cost of Jacobs’ contract and the upcoming potential departures of Wilson and Brooks. This highlights the importance of adding depth at the position during the 2026 NFL Draft, especially when considering the deep running-back class that is expected to emerge this year.

The class is headlined by Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, who is expected to go in the top 10 picks. However, the Packers won’t be selecting until No. 52, leaving them in a position where they could land a high-quality back in the middle rounds. One prospect who stands out is Kaytron Allen from Penn State, a player who has the potential to provide immediate help to the Packers’ running game.

Kaytron Allen’s College Production and Style

Kaytron Allen has been a consistent force in the Nittany Lions’ backfield for the past few seasons, with back-to-back years (2024-2025) posting at least 1,100 rushing yards, 210+ carries, and 8+ touchdowns. Over his career at Penn State, Allen accumulated 4,180 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns, showcasing his durability and ability to contribute in both the short and long term.

One area where the Packers struggled in 2025 was short-yardage situations, often requiring a significant effort to gain minimal yardage. Allen’s skill set directly addresses this weakness. Known as a powerful gap runner, he excels in finishing runs through contact—something that would be extremely beneficial in Green Bay’s offense. Over the past two seasons, Allen has accumulated over 700 yards after contact, proving his ability to create extra yardage and break tackles.

In 2025, Allen forced an impressive 57 missed tackles, with a forced missed-tackle rate of 0.27, the second-highest in the 2026 draft class, just behind Jeremiyah Love. For context, the average forced missed-tackle rate for running backs drafted since 2015 sits at 0.15, meaning Allen is well above average in this area.

Pass Protection and Versatility: A Key Consideration for Green Bay

While Allen’s ability to gain yardage after contact and his downhill running style are notable strengths, the Packers also place a high value on running backs who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, especially pass protection. Chris Brooks, for instance, has held his roster spot due in part to his ability to block effectively and help in pass protection. For any running back to thrive in Green Bay’s system, they need to prove their worth not just as a ball carrier, but as an all-around player who can contribute on every down.

In 2025, Allen proved that he can at least be serviceable in pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 29th out of 112 qualifying college running backs in pass-blocking grade, which is a solid showing for a player who still has room to develop in that area. While pass protection may not be his strongest suit, Allen’s ability to step up and hold his own in this area makes him a much more well-rounded prospect for the Packers to consider.

Allen’s Draft Position and Fit with the Packers

Currently ranked 92nd on the consensus big board, Kaytron Allen is projected to be a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While he may not be a first-round talent like Love, Allen represents great value in the middle rounds, especially for a team like the Packers that is looking to build its roster from the trenches outward. Given Green Bay’s historical emphasis on building the foundation first, taking a running back in the third round could make perfect sense.

While Allen is certainly an exciting prospect, the Packers will likely focus on offensive line depth and other needs in the early rounds of the draft. However, Allen’s combination of explosiveness, physicality, and potential in pass protection makes him an ideal candidate to provide depth and versatility in the Packers’ backfield. Should the team wait until the third round to address the running back position, Allen could be the player who fills the underrated need for the team, giving them a powerful and reliable option for the future.

Conclusion: A Long-Term Solution for Green Bay’s Backfield

As the Packers look ahead to the 2026 season, adding a running back like Kaytron Allen could help solidify their backfield for the long term. With Josh Jacobs’ contract escalating and potential departures in the mix, it’s important for Green Bay to consider the future of the running back position. Allen’s combination of explosive running, tackle-breaking ability, and growing pass-protection skills make him a perfect fit for the Packers’ system. If they select him in the third round, the Packers will be getting a player who can contribute immediately while also providing a long-term solution to their backfield needs.