The Detroit Lions finished the 2014 season ranked 28th in rushing offense, producing just 88.9 yards per game. Their yards-per-carry average was a paltry 3.6. Some of this should rightly be blamed on an inconsistent offensive line that failed to open up running lanes. But some of it should also be blamed on ball carriers Joique bell and Theo Riddick.
Both players bring something to the table - Bell is a thumper at 230 pounds and Riddick is a good pass-catcher out of the backfield - but neither is suited to be a feature back. Although the Lions have needs elsewhere on their roster, the team may find itself in a position to grab the draft's top ball carrier with the No. 23 overall pick.
"The Lions have bigger needs along both the offensive and defensive line, but general manager Martin Mayhew's strategy has always been to take the best player available (other than quarterback)," ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein wrote. "In [Todd] Gurley, Mayhew gets a player he called an 'outstanding prospect' and someone who could immediately solidify the team's running game. Mayhew spent 'a lot' of time on him and the Lions brought him in for a pre-draft visit. If Gurley is around at No. 23, it would be surprising and possibly leave the Lions very, very happy."
The big concern surrounding Gurley is his health. He is still recovering from a torn ACL though he has checked out medically in recent physicals. When healthy, Gurley was arguably the most impressive running back in the nation while at Georgia last year.
In just six games last season Gurley rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns with a 7.4 YPC average. In three seasons with the Bulldogs he totaled 3,285 yards and 36 touchdowns with a 6.5 YPC average. Gurley has been compared to Marshawn Lynch due to his unique combination of size, speed and explosiveness.
It's true that a running back has been taken in the first-round since 2012 and that the position has lost a lot of value in recent years. That hasn't changed and the Lions wouldn't be blamed for going in another direction. But Gurley has the potential to be a special back and fill a big need for a Lions team that is hoping to take some pressure off of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
