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Should the Detroit Lions draft a fullback?

By Forrester Solmen

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 07: Fullback Dimitri Flowers #36 of the Oklahoma Sooners during warm ups before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Iowa State defeated Oklahoma 38-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 07: Fullback Dimitri Flowers #36 of the Oklahoma Sooners during warm ups before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Iowa State defeated Oklahoma 38-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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A new offensive line coach comes with a new philosophy. The running game of the Detroit Lions has been bad for far too long and requires change.

This offseason has been one of much-needed difference making moves, player and personnel wise. Jeff Davidson has assumed the role as the new offensive line coach and the Detroit Lions wasted little time signing stud running back LeGarrette Blount.

Davidson is known for his ability to get the running game going. Blount is no stranger to bringing physicality and attitude to running the football. Something that’s still missing is a fullback.

Recently re-signed linebacker Nick Bellore filled in as the fullback in 2017 and did well. Newly acquired tight end Luke Willson from time to time lined up in the backfield as a lead blocker. So does it make sense for the Lions to draft a fullback?

Although there are viable options on the roster, those players have bigger callings. Detroit adding a true fullback is the best way to go.

It’s already set in stone the Lions will use a fullback to open holes for the running backs. This begs the question though, what options are out there and what is the best way to go? The most logical and practical place to go is the draft.

Detroit in theory could select a fullback during the later part of day three in the fifth or seventh round. Waiting to sign one as an undrafted free agent wouldn’t be the best way to go about it.

If the Lions want a dynamic fullback that can also lineup as a tight end and H-back, Dimitri Flowers from the Oklahoma Sooners is a great fit and is worth drafting in the fifth round. Nick Bawden, who started off as a quarterback before transitioning to a throwback-type fullback with the San Diego State Aztecs, is arguably the best blocker in the draft class and could last until the seventh round.

Given the desire for Detroit to address their tight end core, adding Flowers is my top choice. He fits the bill as a downhill and move blocker from his traditional fullback spot. What’s more important, he makes an impact catching the football and would kill two birds with one stone filling the roster as a fourth tight end to boot.

Over Flowers’ four year career, he caught 54 passes for 886 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a runner, he carried the ball 36 times and tacked on 151 yards with four touchdowns. A great playmaker with or without the ball in his hands.

Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft 7-Round Mock 4.0

Improvement has begun but it isn’t complete. Assuring the Lions hit the ground running means a fullback is a need. Adding a quality blocker who can spring some nice runs for the running backs and make plays on his own would do wonders for the ailing ground attack.

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