How many players from the Packers' 2020 NFL Draft class will the team re-sign?

The draftees are entering their fourth season in the National Football League. 

Three years ago, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst shocked the NFL world by trading up and selecting quarterback Jordan Love with the 26th overall selection. Gutekunst would make eight more selections in that year’s draft. Of the nine draft picks in 2020, seven remain on the roster heading into the 2023 season – Love, running back AJ Dillon (2nd round, 62nd overall), tight end Josiah Deguara (3rd round, 94th overall), offensive guard Jon Runyan Jr. (6th round, 192nd overall), center Jake Hanson (6th round, 208th overall), and defensive end Jonathan Garvin (7th round, 242nd overall). 

Eric Eager, Vice President of SumerSports and a former Pro Football Focus (PFF) staffer, posted the following on Twitter Sunday morning. 

As I am sure you know, Love signed a one-year extension with the team earlier this month, in lieu of the fifth-year option. Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, he received an $8.8 million signing bonus, with a total guarantee of $15.3 million. The extension could be worth up to $24.8 million. The fifth-year option would have fully guaranteed Love $20.272 million. 

My answer to Eager’s question is that three players besides Love will receive a second contract from the team. What the contracts will look like exactly is anyone’s guess, though, but I’m going to try anyways! 

I think it is safe to assert that Dillon needs to bounce back from an underwhelming third season. While the Boston College product scored six rushing touchdowns in the last six games, he registered less than 800 yards on the ground in 17 games and averaged 4.1 yards per carry, a career-low mark. In the last four contests, Dillon did not eclipse four yards per carry, posting 3.27 YPC against the Rams and Dolphins, 3.42 against the Vikings, and 3.67 against the Lions. In 2021, he had 407 yards after contact but only had 317 yards after contact in 2022. Regardless, Dillon is an above-average back that is an ideal ying to Aaron Jones’ yang because of his power and bruising style. And depending on how Dillon does next year and depending on how the Packers handle Jones' contract, there is a chance that Dillon emerges as the team’s RB1 in 2024. 

Unless Dillon has a career year to the tune of 1,000 rushing yards, it is quite unlikely that he breaks the bank, relatively speaking of course, with his second contract. Instead, I believe the range in terms of average annual value will be between $4 million and over $6 million. Over the Cap’s contract valuation for Dillon is $5.6 million per year, while Spotrac’s contract valuation for Dillon is $7.1 million. Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner makes $7 million per year; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders makes $6.35 million per year; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, who is in the last year of his deal, makes $6.125 million; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery makes $6 million per year; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson makes $5.25 million per year; and Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines makes $4.5 million per year. 

Deguara is another player from the 2020 NFL Draft that I believe will receive a second contract from the Packers. The Cincinnati product is not a traditional tight end, but he nonetheless plays a very important role as the team’s H-back. As such, he excels as a blocker and could be used more in the passing game this season, at least early on while the 2023 rookie tight ends learn the ropes. His second contract in terms of annual average value is likely at around $2 million. 

The last player that I believe will earn a second contract from the Packers is Runyan. The Michigan product started 16 games in 2021 and all 17 games a season ago. In 2022, he had an Approximate Value of 9 as the team’s starting right guard. He was only called for one penalty and allowed three sacks in over 1,000 snaps. Over the Cap’s valuation for Runyan is roughly $8 million. 

One final note: you may think that the team’s 2020 draft was a lackluster one, to put it lightly. You would not necessarily be wrong. However, if Love becomes a franchise quarterback, the draft should be deemed a success. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

How many players, besides Love, from the 2020 draft class do you think will receive a second contract from the Packers? 
 

 

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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild). 

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6 points
 

Comments (36)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
T7Steve's picture

May 22, 2023 at 12:31 pm

I think that's a good list and if the rookies look like they'll take a while, for depth and ST purposes I think they might tender Johathan Garvin too.

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Turophile's picture

May 24, 2023 at 03:25 am

Exactly my thinking.

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stockholder's picture

May 22, 2023 at 12:40 pm

You need a better argument.
This draft Sucked.
You got your Love.
Thats the case you want to make.
I still say you won't be satisfied.

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barutanseijin's picture

May 22, 2023 at 02:27 pm

SH, you don’t even have an argument. “Love sucks” doesn’t qualify .

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Johnblood27's picture

May 22, 2023 at 05:23 pm

Love Hurts,
Love Bites,
Love is a Battlefield,
It has been said that -All You Need is Love,
or even a -Bigger Love,
we could sure use a -Tough Love,
any way you look at it, this will be the year that -Love Takes Over,
the question -Is This Love,
I think we will feel -The Power of Love,
and receive -The Love of A Lifetime,
when Jordan finds -The Rhythm of Love,

-Love Incredible -would be nice,
if so we will all be rooting for the -Same Old Love,
enjoying -Endless Love
other teams will be saying -I Need Your Love,
MLF will be all about -I Believe In A Thing Called Love,
Packer fans will want to Find Your Love,
we will all be -Addicted to Love,
maybe other players step up and we will hear -What's Love Got To Do With It,
in the end the answer will be -This Is Love,
no back-ups needed, Jordan will have a -Love Lockdown

Let's hope that we don't see -Stupid Love,
or -Drunk in Love,
or just a -Summer Love,
those options may -Give Love a Bad Name,
and lead to -Faded Love,
or -Tainted Love,
or -Savaged Love,
or even -Bleeding Love,

or it may be that we end up with -Nobody's Love,
it may come to -Send my Love,
or even -Kill My Love,
and then GB will -Never Love Again!

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PearlyBakerBest's picture

May 23, 2023 at 11:05 am

I think stockholder is gonna go with - Love Stinks

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stockholder's picture

May 22, 2023 at 07:27 pm

I never said Love sucked.
I said the draft sucked.
I would have drafted three guys.
Or should I say ILB,WR, S,
Any three could have taken us
all the way.
Instead we got a back-up qb.
We got A back-up Te.
We got a back-up RB.
We gave up an extra 4th.
The draft sucked. And wasn't All-in.

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Rebelgb's picture

May 23, 2023 at 11:17 am

I agree that the draft sucked. I dont agree that any of the 3 positions you listed being drafted would have made damn bit of difference when it came to winning the SB.

Your man Arodge didnt have it in him to win the big one anymore. He had Adams, he had Jones, he had a good line (except for last year).

So stop blaming the draft.

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jannes bjornson's picture

May 23, 2023 at 12:29 pm

If he wanted Love, fine. The Fail was not moving Up for Tee Higgins at the top of round two and getting the solid # 2 wide receiver and redzone threat. That would be an All-In move. Adams was the money man ,but he drew the Dbl and triple teaming, forcing a stagnated offense in crunch time. This guy falls in love with his fill-ins like MVS, who was not a difference maker. Equan? His brother, Amon-Ra was there in the '21 draft and was prolific in USC's offense with Drake London, but he whiffs on Amari. Dillon is no Keith Byers, who ran with high-stepping leg motion. He may have plateaued.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 22, 2023 at 01:20 pm

I can see 5 players that might be on Packers roster on 2024. Jordan Love, AJ Dillon, Josiah Deguara, Jon Runyan Jr. & Johnatan Garvin. I'm almost sure in first 4, but Garvin resign might be only to PS. If Cox will develop enough, I may see Garvin to be released (or not signed).

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:33 pm

Discussing Dillon as the OP article does, in terms of "needs a 1,000 yard season," makes no sense. How's the blocking? The play calling? How many touches does he get? If he's given the ball on 3rd and 1 and gets 1.5 yards, that's SUCCESS. Even with a lousy ypa.

Now the spotlight is on coaches for individual development, team preparation, and evaluating talent to use people correctly. Which coaches will rise to the challenge?

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greengold's picture

May 22, 2023 at 01:27 pm

I'll say 3. Love, Dillon, Deguara.

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BradHTX's picture

May 22, 2023 at 01:47 pm

You really think they won’t resign Runyan? Starting caliber O-line, even solid-if-unspectacular ones, don’t grow on trees. I can’t see them not offering a second contract to him.

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greengold's picture

May 22, 2023 at 02:24 pm

If the Packers are looking to run more in 2023, run blocking will be a premium.

Combined with his being in the last year of his contract? Zero. dead cap hit if cut?

If there’s one OL who really needs to battle for his position for 2023, it might be Runyan. His run blocking has been suspect. He’s in a position battle in GB this year.

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greengold's picture

May 22, 2023 at 02:37 pm

I understand completely where you're coming from Brad. I agree too.

At the same time, I do think Jon Runyan might be in a big battle for his roster spot, especially with a low run blocking grade, again? All 3 seasons in the 50s??? Add in his contract year?

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BradHTX's picture

May 22, 2023 at 02:45 pm

Fair ‘nuff. I have no idea whether you will turn out to be right or wrong, but your argument is valid.

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greengold's picture

May 22, 2023 at 03:14 pm

Yeah, man. I'm just going off the circumstances of a huge pile of OTs, some of which the Packers typically train to be OGs as a decades long system of development.

I love Runyan. Just see he's got his work cut out for him this season to keep his starting spot and earn that next contract.

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dblbogey's picture

May 22, 2023 at 04:47 pm

Runyan is just competent. A steal for a 6th rounder. My only disappointment in the draft was no OL selected. I'm not totally comfortable with Yosh as a starting RT, Zach Tom looks much better there. He's a wonderful back up to Bakh though. Myers has got to improve or be replaced at center, Zach Tom should be either starting at Center, RG or right tackle. I have no hope for Newsom or Hanson or Rhyan as depth when the inevitable injury hits a starter. Hoping for a healthy year, and expect we will be a much better team than most project, despite Joe Barry running our defense.

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:35 pm

Coaches need to create real competition at each position, and let merit determine the roster. It's time to implement that change in Titletown.

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T7Steve's picture

May 22, 2023 at 02:08 pm

Have to resign Runyan. He still hasn't reached his ceiling. Do you know how much talent it must take to not get penalties in the NFL? They happen when a player is struggling, out of position, or unprepared. 1 false start I believe. No penalties is worth lots of first downs.

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greengold's picture

May 22, 2023 at 05:29 pm

Hey Steve!

I get what you’re saying. Like him myself, but his 1 penalty in 2022 tied him for 71st in the NFL according to PFF. 3 sacks allowed ranked 24th.

2021 1 penalty ranked 82nd. 2 sacks allowed ranked 42nd.

PFF grades:
2022 53.6 run blocking / 77.0 pass blocking
2021 57.4 / 72.0
2020 55.8 / 45.5

Those run blocking grades are also very close to what Myers has given us:

2022 53.5 / 74.3
2021 49.4 / 65.9

Both players will be challenged, and rightly so. Competition for all positions is good for this team.

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T7Steve's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:39 am

The year before, zero penalties. Compare him to Myers who I believe, didn't help much and still has yet to reach his cieling.

I bet Runyan's grade went down drastically when they switched him to the right side. Moving Jenkins to the left made it so the Ds HAD to attack the right side to start with.

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MooPack's picture

May 22, 2023 at 02:53 pm

Love is a lock to get a contract. Dillon depends on his improvement this year. If he does better than last year I’d give him 60/40. RB is going to be drafted next year. Runyon depends on improvements from other linemen on the roster that probably have more upside. OL is another position that will get drafted next year. I give him 60/40 as well. No one else is going to be back.

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:38 pm

Projections after one day of OTA make no sense. Coaches need to create honest competition for every roster spot, develop all 90, and let merit determine the roster.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 22, 2023 at 04:20 pm

I don't know who we'll resign, but a bunch of those guys will be playing for somebody next year. Love, Dillon, Deguara, Runyan, Garvin and Martin are all NFL players who will be on somebody's roster.

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Straya's picture

May 22, 2023 at 07:15 pm

I don't think Martin has been on a team since the Panthers cut him over a year ago

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BAMABADGER's picture

May 22, 2023 at 05:13 pm

Besides Love; Dillion and Runyon at the right contract price. Perhaps Deguara, Hanson pending their performance this season.

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GregC's picture

May 22, 2023 at 09:13 pm

I'm counting three players on that list who are no longer on the team: Kamal Martin, Simon Stepaniak, and Vernon Scott. That means six are left, not seven.

I agree with Rex on which ones they will keep, though. Jonathan Garvin continues to linger at the edge of the roster, and if he does not show significant improvement this year, he will be replaced by a younger guy. Jon Runyan could get cut or traded if he can't maintain his starting job, and there will be competition. It's hard for me to see A.J. Dillon and Josia Deguara being worth more to another team than they are to the Packers, so I think they'll stay, with modest contracts. It is a head-scratcher that they drafted Deguara in the third round when his role is so specialized. It's almost like drafting a kicker or punter in the third round. They must've thought he could be a legitimate starting tight end.

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Since'61's picture

May 22, 2023 at 10:39 pm

Love will be here. If Runyon improves the Packers will resign him for the right price.

Dillon is an interesting case. If he has a big season in 2023 his price will go up and the Packers could get outbid in free agency. If Dillon does not have a strong season why would the Packers want to keep him?

There is nothing special in the rest of the class. I would have no problem if the Packers move on from the rest including Deguara. Thanks, Since '61

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Turophile's picture

May 26, 2023 at 05:37 am

Good call Since'61, if the price is right Runyan is good enough to be on the squad, which is not something I can say with any conviction about Hanson or Newman.

Keeping Dillon ? Well, I think we lose Jones at the end of the year, as he has a cap hit of $17m in 2024, so the Packers may want some continuity at the position. Of course, any new contract will have to be digestible for the Packers, so his asking price will play a part.

Since 2023 is he last year of his contract, the Packers can simply let him go if they wish (they probably even get a comp pick for losing him), so he will also have to satisfy the Packers with his level of play in 2023.

The success of the 2020 draft will hinge almost entirely on whether Love pans out. If he does, it outweighs any other consideration - THAT is how important a solid QB is to any team.

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TXCHEESE's picture

May 23, 2023 at 09:02 am

Runyan will have to win the starting RG position this year, for the Packers to entertain resigning him. I would suggest that Deguara's role as the H-back will have to expand as well. Last year he was used sparingly in that role, and not enough to warrant a second contract. However, he's got the physical attributes to be a key ST player. Dillon is going to have to light it up this year or he will either have to accept a lower than desired offer from the Packers, or sign a second/third tier contract in FA.

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greengold's picture

May 23, 2023 at 09:37 am

I totally agree with you, TXCHEESE.

Look at the roster signings. What I love about Brian Gutekunst is he is tireless in his quest to continually improve his roster by any means at his disposal. I believe his College & Pro Personnel Departments to be some of the best in the NFL. They go deep to know the players available, and Gutekunst has shown he is more than willing to replace players who simple don't work out, or can be greatly improved upon.

Proof of that is one quick look at the Packers starting 53 from 2 seasons ago. WOW.

Runyan was a popular late Day 3 selection 4 years ago, and he's about to finish his career with the Packers, or continue it, if he can improve his run blocking.

Running the rock in GB is the smart play for 2023, with a new QB1 in Jordan Love taking over, and everybody & their grandmother knows it.

Runyan has shown himself to be the furthest thing to a "MAULER." Gutekunst knows this. He's also a fair man and will give Jon his shot to earn a new contract.

ENTER CHUCK FILIAGA. The player is 6-6 321, and was an important part of a Minnesota team that rushed for 2,698 yds and 33 TDs... IN 2022!!!

This team is littered with other players who are ready to challenge at every position. I've got a sneaking suspicion I cannot shake that Caleb Jones is going to win a spot at one of the Tackle positions. Can you imagine running behind Filiaga and Jones?

Hooooooooooooooo!!!!! Those are maulers.

___

Deguara? Darkness has lifted. Josiah finally gets his shot. 13 Personnel in GB becomes a thing.

And, on AJ Dillon? I think it is going to be a HUGE year for him. He and Aaron Jones both, and who knows? Maybe some opportunities for Lew Nichols III? His drafting was a very smart bet hedge. I love the kid in GB. Just a solid, rock solid badass RB who knows what to do in the complete sense, rushing, receiving, pass pro... he can lead block too as a FB!!! Just two years ago the man rushed for 1,848 yds on 341 attempts, 16 TDs and a 5.1 ypc average.

I think Dillon will get his career year this season, and his bag. Great 3 RB set to have entering 2023, with other great ones behind them to challenge.

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:47 pm

I'm not even trying to predict Quadzilla's season. I'd hope MLF prefers to limit #33's snaps and use the other 3 RBs as much as possible. If 33 is the bell cow and ends his career due to fatigue caused injury, something is very wrong.

"Maximize his opportunities," hopefully the entire organization exercises good judgment. If Dillon is primarily used on 3rd and short and consistently keeps the drive alive, what else matters? Success can look all sorts of different ways on a stat sheet.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 23, 2023 at 01:54 pm

The Football GM in me says only the good ones worthy of resigning!

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:48 pm

Don't go out on a limb there, lol.

But agreed, all the hype means nothing; use the off-season WELL.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 27, 2023 at 06:56 am

LOL!

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