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Detroit Lions: 3 First-Round Draft Targets

By Freddie Boston

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Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

While improving the offensive line play will help the ground game that struggled in 2014, the obvious solution is to draft a running back with star potential. With the release of Reggie Bush, there is an even greater need at the position.

Among a deep draft class at the position, Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon stands out as one of the best. A strength of Gordon’s is his speed, and he is able to use his long stride to break free in the open field.

When he gets into space, he has the ability to turn the play into a home run. Gordon was impressive at last month’s combine in Indianapolis.

Comparisons have been made between the Wisconsin star and Jamaal Charles with their similar run styles.

In his four years with Wisconsin, Gordon ran the ball 629 times for 4,915 yards and 45 touchdowns. That averages out to 7.8 yards per carry.

Due to the pool of running backs being so deep this year, the Lions may avoid the position in the first round and opt for a talented player later on such as Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah or Minnesota’s David Cobb. However, with the Lions’ ground game struggling in 2014, it would be hard to pass up the opportunity for a player like Gordon if he falls to them at No. 23.

Next: Detroit Lions: Seven-Round Mock Draft

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