Second round: Cam Akers, Florida State
In the unlikely event the Lions take a running back in the second round, there are some appealing options. The best value of those options would be Seminole sledgehammer Cam Akers.
Akers thrives on between-the-tackles runs but has the bounce and acceleration to make a cut and break it outside. His balance through contact and ability to maximize poorly-blocked runs are the best of the backs considered here. Akers is a decent receiver and pass protector, too. His significantly lower workload than Jonathan Taylor or J.K. Dobbins is appealing. Akers also has a higher rate of forcing missed tackles.
The 35th pick is too early for Akers — or any RB for the Lions, for that matter — but a trade bringing an extra pick later in the round would make the impressive 5-10, 217-pounder a good fit in Detroit.