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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Washington at Oregon

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) is tackled by Washington Huskies linebacker Scott Lawyer (47) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) is tackled by Washington Huskies linebacker Scott Lawyer (47) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon

Royce Freeman, RB,
Junior
#21
Running Back
5’11”, 230

Early Draft Projection = Round 2

Now in his third years as a starter, Royce Freeman has been highly productive in Oregon’s high scoring offense. As a freshman, Freeman rushed for 1,365 yards and followed it up with 1,836 yards on the ground as a sophomore.

Biggest Strengths:

  • Vision
  • Balance
  • Shifty in tight spaces
  • Excels in passing game with soft hands and pass blocking skills

Biggest Weaknesses:

  • Average explosion
  • One-speed athlete
  • Will take time to adjust from Oregon’s spread scheme

Freeman has a similar running style to another former Oregon Duck: Jonathan Stewart. While not the power back Lions fans covet, Freeman would be an excellent complement back in Detroit. Because this is such a deep running back class, and the Lions have other pressing priorities, Bob Quinn may not want invest a high draft pick at the position. But if he does, Royce Freeman should be in the conversation as one of the top five backs in the draft.

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