Detroit Lions draft Nick Bawden in the seventh round
The Detroit Lions used their final selection in the 2018 NFL Draft to address their running game. But not in the way you might think.
When it comes to running the ball in the Motor City, the Detroit Lions need a lot of help. In 2016, the Lions used their first round pick to draft left tackle Taylor Decker. The following year, Detroit signed high-priced offensive lineman in veterans T.J. Lang and Ricky Wagner to help beef up the O-line even more.
And despite only possessing six picks going into the 2018 NFL Draft, the Lions used two of those selections on offensive lineman: Center Frank Ragnow (20th overall) and tackle Tyrell Crosby (153rd overall).
The Lions also addressed who was running the ball this offseason, adding three-time Super Bowl champion LeGarrette Blount in free agency. Then Detroit traded up in the second round of the draft on Friday to select Auburn rusher Kerryon Johnson.
But the Lions weren’t done helping out their running game, which ranked dead last in the NFL last season. They also drafted a fullback with their final pick in the seventh round.
With the 237th overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select …
NAME: Nick Bawden
POSITION: Fullback
SCHOOL: San Diego State
HT/WT: 6-2, 245 pounds
AGE: 22-years old
PROS: A finisher, solid receiver, loves contact, key special teamer, a hammer
CONS: Not a ball-carrier, still developing as a blocker, will hold
ANALYSIS: Fullback is a position that the Lions didn’t have on the roster last season. By drafting Bawden, one of the top fullbacks in this class, they are either recommitting to the position or believe he adds an element as a special teams ace. Bawden blocked for both running backs Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny in back-to-back seasons at San Diego State.
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It’s clear that the Detroit Lions want to become a tough-nose rushing team in 2018. That, after struggling in short-yardage situations last season. Beefing up their offensive line, adding tough runners like LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson plus a fullback in Nick Bawden should vastly improve what was one of the worst areas on the team last season.