Detroit Lions: 7-Round 2018 mock draft after first wave of free agency
Due to injuries and general ineffectiveness, Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah has not become the player who the Lions expected when they took him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. They have had an obvious hole at the running back position for many years, consistently lacking a back who they can count on to carry a full load.
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The trio of Abdullah, Blount and pass catching back Theo Riddick could end up being interesting, but if the Lions have an opportunity to draft a legitimate franchise back, they need to pounce. In this mock draft, the Lions go on the clock with the 20th overall pick and that franchise back is available.
Derrius Guice is a compact and powerful runner who is extremely difficult to bring down in the open field. He is extremely strong in the lower body and shows impressive short-area quickness and legitimate breakaway speed. Simply put, Guice has a rare combination of power, quickness and speed that gives him immense upside at the next level.
Guice dealt with many injuries last season and it did hurt his overall play. That being said, Guice’s 2016 tape is absolutely incredible and he looks like a first-round player.
Based on his 2016 performance and obvious upside, Guice is a legitimate top-10 talent in this draft class. The Detroit Lions have an obvious need at the running back position and Guice is a big-time talent who has massive upside going forward. This fit is obvious.