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NFC North 2017 Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions 

Prediction: The team will draft a running back within the first two rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft 

The running back position for the Lions in 2017 was held together by duct tape.

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Detroit’s leading rusher was third down back Theo Riddick with 357 yards. Admirably, the team squeezed whatever it could out of Zach Zenner, but it was obvious he is not the long term answer. The team hoped it could have had a big year from lead back Ameer Abdullah but he only produced two games worth of action as a result of a torn ligament in his foot, which ended his season.

Abdullah will be called upon to step up in his third season in the league. However, it is quite apparent that the Lions need a body in the backfield that is capable of shouldering a workload.

It will not surprise me much if Florida State’s Dalvin Cook is still on the board at 21st overall for Detroit. If he is, the Lions can very well pull the trigger. In the event that the Lions head a different direction in the first round, the second round is a solid breeding ground for reliable backs.

Texas RB D’onta Foreman is a wrecking ball at 6’1 250 lbs. Make no mistake, he is a bruiser and will pair well with Abdullah and Riddick. Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine and Clemson’s Wayne Gallman are other considerations in the second round for Detroit. Either one will upgrade Detroit’s running back spot. Expect the team to solidify the running back position early in the draft.

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