The Detroit Lions want to revamp their run game, and they made that painfully evident by selecting their second running back of the draft, this time with New Mexico State’s Jason Huntley.
This pick is a bit of a head-scratcher. The Lions had six running backs rostered before this selection, and now Huntley makes seven.
His skill set isn’t exactly unique to the group, but it’s clear why the Lions opted for him. He is lightning fast and can compete for a starting role as a kick returner. At New Mexico State, he took five kick returns to the house.
Huntley is also coming off a 1,000 yard season, and has recorded 3,316 total yards in scrimmage over four seasons along with 25 touchdowns.
While Huntley’s college career makes it obvious why any team would want him, it’s hard to see where he’ll fit in on the Lions roster.
He’s in direct competition with Ty Johnson, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 draft. Everything that Huntley can do, Johnson can too. They both similar athletic profiles, and similar skill sets.
Both can be used as a gadget running back in both the passing and running games, as well as kick returners on special teams. The Lions generally carry only four running backs, and with Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift leading the group, these two backs may be fighting for the same job.
Huntley is a dynamic player in any role he lines up in, and that’s undeniable. At the same time, it’s startling that the Lions opted to use their capital draft a second running back this year. Regardless, the pick is made, and Matthew Stafford has a new offensive weapon at his disposal.
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