NFL Draft 2016: Detroit Lions Running Back Targets
By Erik Schlitt
The running back in this class who best compares to Joique Bell is Texas A&M’s Tra Carson. So if the Lions are looking for a player with similar size and skill set, they have an ideal candidate.
Tra Carson’s measurables:
5’11 ¼”, 227 pounds, 19 bench reps, a foot injury kept him from running at the combine. His Pro Day is April 6th.
Stats:
He played in 13 games in 2015, and carried ball 242 times for 1165 yards (4.8 yards per attempt), and 7 touchdowns. He had 29 receptions for 183 yards (6.3 average) and a touchdown. Only one fumble for every 128.8 times he carries the ball, the NFL average is one every 88 carries. Carson was Texas A&M’s 2015 offensive player of the year.
The most impressive part of Carson’s game is he is a willing pass blocker that uses power and leverage to routinely stop the incoming pass rusher. He’s quick to identify and puts himself in the right spot to help give his QB time. Carson has soft hands for a big back, he was used as receiver multiple times a game. This combination of skills is why I think he has the ability to be an effective 3rd down running back in the NFL.
Even after being undrafted, Joique Bell was able stick around on NFL rosters because he was an effective 3rd down back and he had a power element to his game. Carson has this power element to his game as well. Carson lowers his shoulder on impact both at times when it’s necessary and other times when it’s not. He needs to learn how to use this ability or he will find himself on the injury report more often than not is this league.
Overall, if the Lions want a Joique Bell clone but eight years younger, Tra Carson is their man. Teams will likely start thinking about him in the 6th or 7th rounds.
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