The Detroit Lions would seem to be in the market for a running back after releasing Reggie Bush last month, and the Lions had a visit Thursday with one of the draft's most explosive backs.
Detroit picks 23rd overall, but Indiana's Tevin Coleman (5-foot-11 3/8, 206 pounds) could be available to them in the second round; he is not considered worthy of a first-round pick, even though a former NFL personnel executive thinks he is the best back available.
Coleman is an explosive runner who was the offensive focal point for IU in 2014, when he rushed for 2,036 yards and 15 TDs. Coleman had four 200-yard games and three three-TD outings in 2014. Most impressive might be that he averaged 7.5 yards per carry on a team that had no passing attack because it was forced by injuries to use its third-string quarterback. Cfbstats.com shows that Coleman had 16 carries of at least 30 yards (second nationally), 13 of at least 40 (second), nine of at least 50 (tied for national lead), eight of at least 60 (national leader) and four of at least 70 (national leader). His 15 TDs covered an average of 41 yards, including a 90-yarder that was the longest run allowed by Ohio State since 1960.
"I bring a lot of vision, I bring a lot of burst," Coleman told DetroitLions.com. "... I think I'm a complete back."
He and Lions running back Joique Bell would make for an intriguing tandem. Truthfully, though, there are bigger needs than running back -- defensive tackle and cornerback, most notably -- that could be filled in the second round by Detroit. Given the depth of the running back class, there likely will be a back or two available on the third day (Rounds 4-7) who could fit the Lions' offense.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
