Quinn Influenced Benchmarks (QIB) — the study of Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn’s draft tendencies — has been a staple of Lions Wire draft coverage for the last few seasons, but with the COVID pandemic canceling Pro Days, the process and available data took a massive hit.
As the world adjusts to the changing environment, so does QIB.
Here, we take a slightly modified look at the athletic markers produced by the offensive players in Lions 2020 Draft/UDFA class and apply practical reasoning to predict any changes in the Lions approach to player acquisition or scheme changes for the upcoming season.
Lions add speed to an explosive backfield
D’Andre Swift (2nd) and Jason Huntley (5th)
Explosivity (Burst rate) has always been a targeted trait at running back but in a trend that started last year with Ty Johnson, Quinn has begun adding a speed element (40-yard-dash) into the equation.
Note: NFL Top-30 RB 40 y/d average is 4.54, while a burst score of 120 is above-average and 130 is elite.
| Height | Weight | 40 | Burst rate | |
| Kerryon Johnson | 5114 | 213 | 4.52 | 131.00 |
| D’Andre Swift | 5082 | 212 | 4.48 | 120.85 |
| Bo Scarbrough | 6013 | 228 | 4.52 | 132.50 |
| Ty Johnson | 5106 | 213 | 4.4 | 120.15 |
| Jason Huntley | 5084 | 182 | 4.4 | 132.65 |
| Wes Hills | 6005 | 209 | N/A | N/A |
QIB has previously factored in running backs agility scores (3-cone and short shuttle) but only K. Johnson and Huntly tested in this area, and their scores were just average, which indicates a decreased level of importance on the QIB scale.
Athletically, the Lions were already above average at the position, but with the six backs on the roster, the Lions have two with every-down potential (K. Johnson and Swift), two speed/kick returner options (T. Johnson and Huntley), and two power-based runners (Scarbrough and Hills). Add in the fact that K. Johnson, Swift, and Huntley are above-average pass-catchers, and the Lions have a variety of backs who can play in multiple situations.
While the Lions recent run scheme has focused on inside zone runs, both rookie backs have the speed to get to the edge, and home-run potential, which should open up the types of blocking schemes available to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.