Could The Lions Be Looking To Draft A RB?

By: Jeff Riger
@riger1984

It's no secret that the Detroit Lions could be looking for a running back come draft time. Whether that prospect is taken in the first, second or seventh round, Detroit cannot go into the 2015 season with their run game as it stands now.

On Wednesday at the NFL Combine, Lions GM Martin Mayhew didn't exactly give a ringing endorsement for Reggie Bush being back next year despite having a couple more years left on his contract. Add it all up and it might very well mean that Detroit might be thinking about taking a rusher when it comes time to make their pick at the NFL draft.

If indeed Detroit is thinking running back in 2015 then they're in luck considering how deep the draft is at the position.

Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium, many running backs admitted to having already met with the Lions or will meet with the team in upcoming days.

Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah has already been interviewed by Detroit and while most guys won't divulge what was talked about in conversations, Abdullah seems to have a pretty good idea of what the Lions are looking for in a running back. "I know they're looking for a guy that can do it all," Abdullah said. A guy they don't have to take off the field." Abdullah had great success at Nebraska over his career rushing for 39 touchdowns and catching another 7 scores. He's also returned punts his last 2 seasons and returned kicks all four years. Abdullah is predicted to be a mid second round pick.

Another running back that is scheduled to meet with the Lions later in the week is Miami's Duke Johnson. Johnson played 3 seasons for the Hurricanes where he rushed for 1,652 yards in 2014 with 13 TD's. He also caught another 3 scores. Johnson seems to fit in as a third down back in the NFL and is projected to be a late second round pick.

This year's draft will also feature Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon who was spectacular for the Badgers. Gordon was unstoppable rushing for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2014 including a game against Nebraska where he gained 408 yards and rushed for 4 TD's. Gordon could easily be a first round pick and was actually seen wearing a Lions hat last month. "I like all NFL teams, I like the color so I just got the Lions hat" Gordon said. "A lot of people were giving me stuff on Twitter, this and that. I don't have a favorite team; I have too many teammates that play on teams so I just go with whatever. I like the hat so I bought it." Gordon expects to meet with the Lions over the weekend.

Georgia's Todd Gurley might be drafted higher than Gordon but also is recovering from an injury. Gurley tore his ACL back in November and has just started light jogging; he likely will not be available for Georgia's pro day. Gurley declared that he wanted to be taken first overall at the Combine but then again who doesn't? While it is not known if Gurley is scheduled to meet with the Lions, he said he has 24 interviews lined up in the next couple days so odds are very good. Gurley, if not injured would likely be taken higher than Gordon but considering the Bulldog rusher has had 2 major injuries in the previous two seasons, it's anybody's guess.

Michigan State's Jeremy Langford is projected to be a third to fourth round pick and has not met with the Lions. It's unclear if he will during his remainder of time at the Combine.

If a team's looking for a running back, 2015 is the year to draft one. The only question is which one will go first and will the Lions draft one at some point in late April?

My prediction is Gurley goes before Gordon and yes the Lions will absolutely at some point select a RB. Which one do you want?