Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Running Back for Every Round

By Zac Snyder | Apr 2, 2017

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) hands the ball off to Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) stiff arms Syracuse Orange defensive back Rodney Williams (6) on a carry during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5

Bob Quinn and the Lions look for players who love football. Conner’s love for football can’t be doubted considering he finished his career at Pitt after kicking cancer’s ass. He has been cancer-free ever since, with his most recent clear scan coming just before the Combine.

Conner won’t out-run defenders or get around them with nimble moves, but he’s capable of getting extra yardage after initial contact by running through and over would-be tacklers. He may never be an every-down back but that’s not what the Lions need and true featured backs aren’t in used much these days anyway.

When it comes to short yardage and goal line situations, Conner could give the Lions an element they have been missing.

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