Detroit Lions: Could RB Rashaad Penny be a day two steal?

Of all the running backs the Detroit Lions will consider adding to the roster this season, none have quite the résumé of San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny.

2,248. That’s how many rushing yards San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny recorded in only 13 games last season. Throw in a 7.8 yards per carry average, eight career special teams returns for scores and a whopping 23 touchdowns on the ground last year; and you have yourself one of the top running back prospects in the entire 2018 NFL Draft.

1,221. That’s how many total rushing yards the Detroit Lions recorded as a team in 16 games last season. That stat meant the Motor City possessed the worst rushing attack in the entire NFL.

The Lions figure to be shopping for a running back or two in the upcoming NFL Draft. And although many believe Detroit will use one of their higher selections to find themselves a workhorse at running back, this is a very deep draft class. And Penny is proof of that.

Despite leading the FBS (Division I-A) in rushing yardage last season, Penny is currently projected to be a third to fifth round selection. The young man’s slow 40-time and upright running style being his biggest detractors. Although, in the below video, Penny certainly doesn’t seem to lack game speed.

In fact, Penny is someone this Lions’ insider believes fans should keep their eyes on during this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.

"“College football’s leading rusher last season, [Rashaad Penny] gained over 100 yards in all but two games this year and finished the season with five straight 200-yard games,” wrote ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. “At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, he’s built well enough to withstand consistent NFL hits. He’s the type of back who could be available and of great value on the second day of the draft.”"

Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft - Full seven round mock

The Detroit Lions need a complete changing of the guard when it comes to the running back position. Players like Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington have had their chances to win the starting role. Now, it’s time to bring in new blood to reignite this lifeless backfield. Adding a player like Rashaad Penny to the mix would be a great start.