NFL Draft 2016: Detroit Lions Running Back Targets

The Detroit Lions return a trio of running backs, but after parting ways with Joique Bell, they will be in the market for his replacement.

When Bob Quinn was appointed as the Detroit Lions new general manager, he stated that he would build this team with players that fit the coach’s scheme. With coach’s Jim Caldwell, Teryl Austin and Jim Bob Cooter all retained, it stands to reason that we should have a general idea of the type of players we can expect to see added through the draft. This is a very logical connection to make, until you remember that Quinn has been heavily schooled in the Bill Belichick approach to football. So while I’m expecting to see some logical additions in this draft, I’m expecting some surprises too.

With Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner all returning, the Lions have a young trio of backs with different skills sets. Losing Joique Bell this off-season creates a need for a back with a power element to his game.

While it’s possible the Lions to address this need in free agency, with backs like Alfred Morris or LeGarrett Blount, I think they will wait and see how the draft unfolds before making a free agent decision.

So if the Lions plan on drafting a running back what is the criteria the Lions will be looking for?

I expect the Lions to be looking at 220 pound backs, who are strong in pass protection and have the ability to catch the ball. These running backs also need the ability to initiate contact and get the tough three yards. Long speed isn’t as important for this type of back, the expected 40 time for a 220 pound back is 4.65, anything under would be a plus.

With larger needs on the roster, it will be unlikely that the Lions look to improve their running back depth until day three (rounds four through seven).

Here I will explore who fits the Lions’ desired profile yet won’t be drafted by the Lions, and three targets that I believe the Lions will be very interested in going into the draft.

Next: Next Up: Running Backs the Lions will pass on

The following running backs will fit the profile for the Lions but they won’t be drafted by them for various reasons.

Top running backs Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry, and Jordan Howard fit the profile, but are likely to be drafted on days one and two. I can’t see the Lions spending another high pick at the position, especially with three capable backs on the roster. So, if you were hoping to see them in a Lions uniform, it’s best to start tempering your expectations now.

Arkansas’s Jonathan Williams was interviewed by the Lions at the combine and hits many of the Lions markers. He’s a 220 pounds slashing back, who has burst through the hole, and is a reliable pass protector. These traits make him a candidate for day two but he had foot surgery in 2015 and missed the entire season.

Foot injuries for a running back are scary for teams and this may cause him to fall to day three. Not having seen him perform on the field since 2014, is too risky for me to use an early day three pick on which is where I see him being drafted.

Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise was also interviewed by the Lions at the combine and on paper seems to be someone the Lions would have interest in. Prosise is 220 pounds, ran a 4.48 at the combine and his game is similar to Fred Jackson’s. He has NFL size and is still developing but he has too many flaws in his game to contribute early.

Prosise carried the ball 156 times last season and fumbled five times, that’s third worst in this class. Prosise is very raw in pass protection and doesn’t have the power to be effective right now. His inefficiency in pass protection is too much to overcome and I think the Lions will pass.

Next: Next Up: Joique Bell 2.0

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 6^th.

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 3^rd down running back in the NFL.

Even after being undrafted, Joique Bell was able stick around on NFL rosters because he was an effective 3^rd 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 6^th or 7^th rounds.

Next: Next Up: Rockhead

Marshall’s Devon Johnson, is a converted tight end who moved to running back in 2013 and became a starter in 2014. Nicknamed “Rockhead” because of his aggressive running style, his power will be appealing for a team looking for an inside thumper. Injuries cut his 2015 season short, but his skill set may be just what the Lions are looking for.

Devon Johnson’s measurables:

6’0 ½” 238 pounds, a lingering back injury that caused him to miss time in 2015, further limited his combine workout.

At his Pro Day:

40 = 4.59, at 238 pounds this is a solid score, about .16 faster than expected for his weight

3-cone = 7.09, this isn’t surprising as he’s not a dancing running back, he plows straight ahead

Short Shuttle = 4.6, this is low but like the 3-cone, it’s not part of his game

Vertical Jump = 33.5, Broad Jump = 9’5”, both jumps are slightly under average but expected for his size

Bench Press = didn’t participate because of a lingering shoulder issue

So what do these numbers tell us?

It backs up what you see on game day. He’s a straight ahead power runner who isn’t going to outrun many people, but if you get in his way he’s going to hit you. His agility numbers (3-cone and Short shuttle) show us he’s slightly below the general average, so he’s not as quick as a big back like Carlos Hyde, but still quicker than most backs his size.

This aggressive style is fun to watch but the biggest concern for him is going to be injuries. Back and shoulder injuries for running backs are concerning but if he is in a committee, the volume of his high impact hits will be reduced.

Stats

Only played in 5 games in 2015 because of injury but over that span he was productive. He carried the ball 94 times for 593 yards (6.3 average), and 5 touchdowns. He caught 6 passes for 63 yards (10.5/reception) and 1 touchdown.

Looking back to 2014 when he was fully healthy, he rushed 204 times for 1767 yards (8.6 average), and 17 touchdowns. He had 6 receptions for 121 yards (20.2 average) and 2 touchdowns.

The 2014 numbers are impressive for a 238 pound power back. While he doesn’t appear to have breakaway speed he had runs of 75 yards in both years. Once he gets to the second level, his ability to use a powerful stiff arm keeps defenders from tackling him. When they position themselves in his path, he is quick to lower his shoulder and try to be the one to deliver the impact. This makes him very hard to bring down.

His injury history is concerning and he will get pushed down in the draft because of it, but if he checks out medically he could be a real find in the final 2 rounds.

Next: Next Up: The Sleeper

Darius Jackson of Eastern Michigan, was the sleeper in this draft until he blew up his workout at Michigan’s pro day. Jackson’s unique combination of speed and power is getting him noticed nationally.

Darius Jackson’s measurables:

5’11 ¾” 220 pounds

40 = 4.35, that’s real fast, the average 40 for a 220 lb back is 4.65

3-Cone = 6.82, this is another very impressive, this quickness level is a tick below Abdullah and better than Riddick and Zenner

Short shuttle = 4.27, this is right around the average for a NFL RB and solid for his weight.

Vertical Jump = 41”, Broad Jump = 11’1”, this an elite level of explosion

Bench Press = 20, this is a solid number and just above average for a running back

So what do these numbers tell us?

Jackson has a rare combination of size, speed, quickness and explosion. His scores are excellent for any running back but when you factor in his weight he has some major appeal. His explosion numbers (bench, vertical and broad jump) are above average.

He ran his 40, .3 faster than what is to be expected for a back of his size. His agility markers (3-cone & short shuttle) are faster than average. When you combine his speed, agility and explosion numbers, and then factor in his weight, he has the most dynamic speed set of any running back in this draft.

Stats

Over 12 games (11 losses), Jackson carried the ball 208 times for 1078 yards (5.2 average), and 14 touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 201 yards (9.6 average), and 2 touchdowns. These aren’t overly impressive numbers but when you consider they were playing from behind most of the season, it’s not hard to understand how he would be underused either. In Eastern Michigan’s game against LSU, they were over matched, yet Jackson managed 19 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Draft guru and Sidelionreport.com contributor Jeff Risdon published his own detailed write-up on Jackson, which you can view: Here. Jeff is a highly respected draft analyst and he gives us a quality look at Jackson.

Initially thought of as an undrafted free agent, Jackson has worked his way into the draftable conversation. When you put together a body of work like Jackson’s, even limited, he is now more than likely to find his name called on day three of the draft.

Next: Lions 7-Round Mock Draft v3.0