Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft Profile: Running Back Myles Gaskin

Capping off his collegiate career on a high note, the Pac-12’s third all-time leading rusher is a prospect with his stock on the rise and a good fit for the Detroit Lions.

Although the score wasn’t what Washington Huskies senior running back Myles Gaskin was hoping for, he stuffed the stat sheet and was one of the best players in the 2019 Rose Bowl. They fell 28-23 to the Ohio State Buckeyes, but his performance should put the Detroit Lions on notice.

Gaskin was responsible for every Huskies touchdown, scoring three times (two rushing, one passing). His 28 touches (24 carries, 3 catches, 1 pass) and 122 yards (121 rushing, -1 receiving, 2 passing) lead both squads.

Finishing with 1,268 rushing yards gave him the Pac-12 record fourth straight season of at least 1,200 yards on the ground. Over 52 games, his all-purpose yardage total reached 5,880 with 63 touchdowns.

Stats are one thing, but the durability is even more miraculous. 2018 marked the first and only time the All-Pac-12 performer missed any game action.

Some concerns over the usage (1,016 touches) are understandable. As for his size, it’s hard playing running back in the NFL at 5-9, 192. Most likely he’s best served in a complementary role as a pass catcher (career: 65 catches, 465 yards, 5 touchdowns) and/or kick returner (career: 6 returns, 90 yards).

I wouldn’t count him out though. Phillip Lindsey (5-8, 190) finished his rookie season with the Denver Broncos eclipsing the thousand yard rushing mark and a vote to the Pro Bowl.

Besides some higher mileage and smaller size, Gaskin has few weaknesses. Besides his vision, speed is his most obvious trait. His acceleration and top end burst would serve well in this Lions offense, something that’s been missing since Jahvid Best.

Detroit wouldn’t need to reach far to draft him as he’s projected to go in the 3rd-5th round. Whether as a receiving back, feature runner or return man, Myles Gaskin is bound for greatness.