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Detroit Lions Offseason Prediction: Running Backs

By Erik Schlitt

Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) carries the ball for a first down in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) carries the ball for a first down in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs for a touchdown as quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs for a touchdown as quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agent Prediction

Joique Bell retires. Joique may make another run at a spot on an NFL roster but I’d rather see him sign a one day contract with Detroit and retire as a Lion.

Draft Prediction

The Lions draft Wayne Gallman in round three. Gallman (who I profiled here) has second round value in my opinion but is not ranked there by national media: CBS Sports has him ranked as the eighth best running back in the class and has a third or fourth round value; Tony Pauline’s Draft Analyst website has him him as the 14th ranked running back and gives him a fourth or fifth round value; USA Todays Draft Wire slots him in at 11th; and Walter Football ranks him 10th.

Pre-combine I have Gallman fifth on my board and here’s five reasons why:

  1. Pass Protection: This is a skill NFL scouts prioritize and often gets glossed over by draft evaluators. Gallman’s protection skills have improved throughout his career and are something a team who passes as much as the Lions will take notice of.
  2. Fumble Rate: The average running back in the NFL fumbles every 88.6 carries. If a player can operate at a rate of 1:150 then they are considered to have great skills. Gallman’s fumble rate is 1:148.2 and is sixth-best in this class.
  3. Receiving Skills: He’s a hands catcher who has caught at least 20 balls in each of his three seasons.
  4. Lateral Quickness and Vision: While not blessed with home run speed, he is successful at running outside. He uses his vision to identify holes, the lateral quickness to hit them and escape the backfield quickly. When he runs inside he uses power to churn out yards.
  5. Variety of Skill Moves: Gallman is proficient with his stiff arm, spin move and jump cuts.

Gallman would fit in with the Detroit Lions extremely well. And when you look at the potential of a player vs the cost to obtain him, I believe Gallman may be one of the best values in this class.

Next: Lions Offseason Prediction: Linebackers

As the draft season progresses, more players will present themselves as options and scheme fits for the Lions, so make sure you are checking back at DetroitJockCity.com for future articles. You can also follow me on Twitter (@erikschlitt) for continuing analysis.

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