PS #22

Pierre Strong Jr.

Running Back · South Dakota State

A South Dakota State speedster whose blazing combine numbers made him a Day 3 draft steal at running back.

Pierre Strong Jr. built his reputation as one of the fastest running backs in the 2022 draft class, and he has carved out a journeyman career as a depth back and special-teams contributor since. After stints with the Patriots and Browns, he now gives the Packers backfield an experienced change-of-pace option.

★ Fastest running back at the 2022 NFL Combine

★ Over 500 career kickoff return yards

Path to the league

Strong was a standout at South Dakota State before entering the 2022 NFL Draft, where the New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round with the 127th overall pick. He was clocked as the fastest running back at that year's NFL Combine, a trait that has defined his scouting profile ever since.

Career highlights

Across stints with the Patriots and Cleveland Browns, Strong has appeared in 46 games with one career start, contributing as a change-of-pace runner, receiver out of the backfield and kickoff returner. He has totaled 99 carries for 499 yards and two touchdowns, plus 26 receptions and over 500 kickoff return yards.

2025 season recap

Strong signed with the Packers practice squad in September 2025 and spent most of the year in that depth role, getting elevated to the game-day roster on three occasions without recording a snap. It was a quiet season statistically as he worked to earn a larger role in Green Bay's backfield.