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Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: Full 7-round mock 5.0

By Jeremy Friedrichs

ANNAPOLIS, MD - OCTOBER 20: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars looks on against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - OCTOBER 20: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars looks on against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

2019 NFL Draft: Seventh Round, 224th Overall

The Detroit Lions select …

Name: Alexander Mattison
Position: Running Back
School: Boise State
Height/Weight: 5-11, 221
2018 Stats: 13 games, 1,415 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, 173 receiving yards
Draft Round Projection: 4th-6th round

Pick Analysis: This may be a little late to add a running back considering how much the Lions will look to run the ball in 2019, but there is value to be had in the later rounds. In Mattison, they find a productive back to provide insurance for starter Kerryon Johnson.

Mattison was a major factor on offense for the Broncos last season. He is a well rounded tailback who excels near the goal line and is a more than capable receiver out of the backfield.

The knocks on Mattison include his heavy usage in college and his lack of explosive burst upfield for longer runs. Additionally, there are questions about his pass protection, a critical element for Lions running backs.

Mattison projects as a dependable backup in the NFL, one capable of helping to pick up first downs in short yardage situations. After the ill-fated LeGarrette Blount era could not produce enough of the desired results in these situations last season in Detroit, the Lions need a young player who can produce them.

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