3 Running Backs for Lions to Target in NFL Draft

Vito Chirco takes a look at three running backs the Lions could target in the 2020 NFL Draft

The Lions have a variety of needs they could address via this year's NFL Draft.

Could running back be one of them?

If so, don't expect the organization to take a back until the end of the first round at the very earliest -- and obviously, only if it finds a way to pull off a trade that allows it to move back into the first round after picking at No. 3.  

Picking a back to end Day 1 could also become an option if Detroit executes a deal with a team looking to trade up to draft former Alabama passer Tua Tagovailoa.

If such a deal is facilitated, the Lions could then feasibly have multiple selections to play with come the first night of the draft on April 23 -- including a late first rounder that could be used on a running back.

Without further ado, here are three late first-round-to-Day 2 backs the Lions potentially could target:

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

Edwards-Helaire averaged 6.6 yards per carry in 2019, to go along with 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also possesses the skills of a natural pass catcher. He hauled in 55 receptions for 453 yards and a score during LSU's national championship-winning season. 

He could be a target of the Lions to end round one -- if they find a way to acquire a late first rounder. And if Detroit general manager Bob Quinn does select Edwards-Helaire, expect the former Tigers lead back to be deployed in the role of a change-of-pace back.  

Cam Akers, Florida State

Akers has all the intangibles necessary to be a physical and effective runner at the next level. However, he never fully developed at Florida State, where he ran behind a shoddy offensive line. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, he was forced to pick up 3.9 of his 4.9 yards per carry after contact in 2019. 

As a result of his inconsistent play with the Seminoles, he projects as a Day 2 pick. He won't be ready to be a bell-cow back come Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. However, if given time to refine his skills and with the proper coaching, he could one day grow into a No. 1 back.

Zack Moss, Utah

The Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 ran for over 1,000 yards and 10-plus touchdowns in three straight seasons, including 1,416 yards and 15 TDs last season. 

He's a 222-pound back that can make defenders miss with ease. In fact, he forced more missed tackles (87) than any other back a year ago, according to Pro Football Focus. And he'd be an interesting selection for Quinn & Co. on Day 2.

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Vito Chirco
VITO CHIRCO

Vito has covered the NFL and the Detroit Lions for the past five years.  Has extensive reporting history of college athletics, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Mercy Athletics.  Chirco's work include NFL columns, analyzing potential Detroit Lions prospects coming out of college, NFL draft coverage and analysis of events occurring in the NFL.  Extensive broadcasting experience including hosting a Detroit Tigers podcast and co-hosting a Detroit Lions NFL podcast since 2019.