The Detroit Lions added a fullback in the seventh round
By Ash Thompson
The Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn has righted one of his wrongs. The Lions have a fullback on the roster again.
Nick Bawden is a former quarterback recruit who switched to fullback with the San Diego State Aztecs after his freshman season. He could have continued on his scholarship but never seen the field. Instead, he chose to take a less glamorous role, that of the fullback. Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny are surely both thankful he did.
In 2017 the Lions decided that the fullback position was not going to be a part of their plan. Apparently, that plan was to be the worst rushing team in the NFL in virtually every category. Offensive line coach Ron Prince was the architect of one of the worst rushing attacks in NFL history according to some. He was the only assistant fired on the same day as former head coach Jim Caldwell.
Rather than employing a linebacker who has never done the job, the Lions have chosen the path of employing a qualified professional. The mistakes of the past are being rectified. Jeff Davidson has been brought in to replace Prince. The team has signed and drafted a plethora of offensive linemen and running backs.
The Detroit Lions have learned that while the NFL is a passing league, the good teams can run the ball when they have to. Denial of comeback opportunities matters. Winning the time of possession battle matters. Limiting the number of snaps that your 300 lb defensive linemen have to play in a season matters. The team cannot rely on Matthew Stafford to drag them kicking and screaming to every victory.
Next: The Detroit Lions fifth-round pick
Bob Quinn has said in the past that when it comes to the seventh round it is not always about taking the best player. Often it’s about taking the one you don’t think you can sign as a free agent after the draft. There were a large number of suitors for Bawden’s services by all reports. There is something sweet about going home with the belle of the ball. Sometimes that Belle happens to be a 6’2″ 245 lb fullback.