Better Fit: RB Cam Akers or RB AJ Dillon?
The Lions have a variety of needs that need to be addressed via this year's NFL Draft.
Could running back be one of them?
Let's take a closer look now at who is the better fit: Cam Akers or AJ Dillon?
RB Cam Akers, Florida State
Akers has all the intangibles necessary to be a physical and effective runner at the next level.
However, he never fully developed at Florida State, where he ran behind a shoddy offensive line. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, he was forced to pick up 3.9 of his 4.9 yards per carry after contact in 2019.
As a result of his inconsistent play with the Seminoles, he projects as a Day 2 pick.
He won't be ready to be a bell-cow back come Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. However, if given time to refine his skills and with the proper coaching, he could one day grow into a No. 1 back.
© Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
RB AJ Dillon, Boston College
The 6’0, 247-pound Dillon totaled 4,382 rushing yards, 38 rushing touchdowns and a 5.2 yards-per-carry average in three seasons at Boston College.
He's a prototypical power back that can be a short-yardage specialist at the next level.
And he's not just a bruiser, as exemplified by his impressive 40-yard dash time recorded at the NFL combine.
He ran a 4.53 "40," to go along with 23 bench-press reps and a 131-inch broad jump -- all numbers that should go a long way in helping out his draft stock.
Presently, Dillon -- the 2017 ACC Rookie of the Year -- is projected to be taken anywhere from the third-fifth round, and would be the better fit for the Lions if selected.
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Related
NFL Draft Do-Over: Lions Draft LB Ray Lewis in 1996
3 Reasons Detroit Lions Have Failed Matthew Stafford
