Detroit Lions: 5 Draft Prospects To Know

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Sep 13, 2014; Bowling Green, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

During most normal college football seasons Tevin Coleman would have been a huge breakout star in 2014. He hit the heralded 2,000-yard rushing mark, but wasn’t even the most touted running back in his own conference thanks to the efforts of Melvin Gordon. That, and the fact that Indiana isn’t exactly known for its production of NFL talent, have Coleman somewhat flying under the radar leading up to the draft.

All the of the key numbers are there. He’s 5-11, 200-pounds, with 4.4 speed. Coleman has room to improve in the passing game, but there’s no doubt he can come in and be an effective runner right out of the gate.

Most mocks have Coleman going in the second or third round and it’s hard to say he’d be worth a second round selection to the Lions given that Joique Bell and Theo Riddick are already in place to carry the load in 2015.

Picking Coleman would help in the short-term, but it would really be more of a long-term selection for depth as Bell moves closer to the dreaded 30-year old mark. With that likely being the mindset, he seems like a guy only worth taking if he’s still there in round three, or preferably four.

Next: Early Top 5 Detroit Lions Games of 2015

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