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5 realistic running back options for Detroit Lions in 2023 NFL Draft

By Brad Berreman

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at California Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at California Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

3. DeWayne McBride, UAB

After running for 1,371 yards and 13 touchdowns for UAB in 2021, McBride upped the ante last season with 1,713 yards (second in FBS) and 19 touchdowns last season. Concerns about his level of competition in college are natural, but let’s look at what he did against some notable opponents over the last two seasons.

2021
Georgia: 13 carries for 61 yards
Tulane: 18 carries for 111 yards
Marshall: 25 carries for 108 yards, two touchdowns
UTSA: 24 carries for 144 yards, one touchdown
BYU (bowl game): 28 carries for 183 yards, one touchdown

2022

Liberty: 20 carries for 177 yards, one touchdown
UTSA: 19 carries for 141 yards, two touchdowns
LSUL 13 carries for 34 yards, one touchdown

McBride simply was not used as a pass catcher in college, with only five career catches. So any idea he can’t eventually contribute in that area is at best an unknown. A solidly built back (5-foot-10, 209 pounds), he led the country in yards after contact last season.

If you’re unfamiliar with McBride’s work, and it’s fair to assume you are since he’s coming out of Conference USA, check out the clip below.

McBride had a case to be higher on this list, but a couple guys usurped him.

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