After signing David Montgomery to pair with D'Andre Swift, the Lions look pretty well set at running back for the 2023 season. If both stay healthy -- always a concern with Swift -- Detroit could have one of the most dynamic rushing tandems in the NFL.
Now add Bijan Robinson to the mix.
That's the way ESPN draft expert Todd McShay sees things playing out, sending the best running back in the draft to the Lions with the 18th overall pick in his latest mock, published Tuesday.
While acknowledging that "fans will question just about any landing spot for Robinson because of his position," McShay says to "consider how heavily the Lions lean on the run and what Robinson can do for an offense."
"We're talking about a top-five talent in this class who can break free with burst through the hole, make defenders miss with his strength and haul in passes with his reliable hands."
McShay also points out that Swift is injury-prone and entering the final year of his contract and that Montgomery has just three 100-yard rushing games over the past two seasons.
"Robinson had only three games under 100 rushing yards last year," McShay says.
A consensus All-American and winner of the Doak Walker Award last season as the best running back in the country, Robinson averaged 6.3 yards per carry and rushed for 33 touchdowns over three seasons at Texas. He could be a superstar in Detroit behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
It goes against conventional wisdom to draft a running back in the first round, because of their short shelf life in the pros and the ease with which they can often be replace. But with four picks in the first two rounds this year, McShay says the Lions "can afford to make this luxury selection and fill some other holes down the road."
With the sixth overall pick in his mock, McShay sends Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson to the Lions after C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, Will Anderson and Jalen Carter go in the first five picks. McShay says Detroit's top selections "has to be defense"
"Detroit was miserable in that department last season, and it was the reason it came up short in the playoff hunt. ... Adding Wilson to a young edge-rushing contingent that already includes Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston could create real conflict for opponent pass-protectors, though. He had seven sacks in 2022 for a second straight year, and his arm length and pure power jump out on tape."
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