Over the next several days, leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Running back.
► Current roster: D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson, Godwin Igwebuike, Craig Reynolds
► Short-term need: Two out of 10
► Long-term need: Six out of 10
► Top prospects: Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Isaiah Spiller
► Mid-round options: Daemon Pierce, Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong
► Late-round considerations: Kyren Williams, Ty Chandler, Hassan Haskins
► Analysis: After decades of trying, the Lions actually managed to put together a competent rushing attack in 2021. Despite a revolving door of injuries, both up front and in the backfield, the team managed to average 4.4 yards per carry, which ranked just outside the top 10 in the league.
But looking specifically at the backs, optimism is probably a little too high. Swift’s efficiency as a ball carrier took a step back between his first and second seasons. Last year, he averaged a half-yard less per carry, while converting fewer first downs and scoring three fewer rushing touchdowns, despite a 32.5% increase in carries.
Meanwhile, Williams started the year averaging a career-best 4.4 yards per attempt through the first seven games, but that dipped to 3.5 yards per carry the rest of the way. The end result saw him finishing below 4.0 yards per pop for the first time since 2018.
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The Lions’ depth backs — Jefferson, Igwebuike and Reynolds — offered a little more bang for the buck, but the sample size was small with each, and projects to remain that way if Swift and Williams can stay relatively healthy.
Not surprisingly, the Lions didn’t feel a need to further address the position in free agency. But that doesn’t mean they should shy away from a back in the draft if one is the best player on the team’s board when they’re on the clock, at least after their first three selections. Considering Swift has had issues with durability, Williams is entering the final year of his contract and Jefferson remains an unproven commodity, there would seem to be an opportunity for a long-term play in the middle rounds.
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For example, if Michigan State’s Walker is somehow still available when the Lions are picking No. 66 early in the third round, it’s a justifiable move. The 5-foot-9, 211 pounder is a two-down back on his way to bell-cow territory if he can shore up his pass protection and develop more as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Of course, even with the league-wide devaluing of the position, it’s probably a stretch to think Walker lingers that long. But with Detroit’s pick at the back half of the third round — a comp selection tied to the departure of wide receiver Kenny Golladay — the physically imposing Pierce could be a fit. The solidly built 218-pounder is a punishing north-south rusher who runs with good pad level, balance and power to pick up tough yards through contact.
In the later rounds, the Lions would likely want to be certain any selection would offer more than Jefferson, or potentially Igwebuike, who is the incumbent kick returner.
Williams, out of Notre Dame, would be an intriguing option starting in the fifth round, assuming he’s still available. His poor athletic testing makes that a realistic possibility, but any team that drafts him is getting an advanced pass protector, productive pass-catcher with return ability on the resume.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers
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