Lions take RB Guice in Kiper’s latest mock draft

The Detroit Lions have been no better than 28th in the NFL the past four years in rushing yards, finishing dead last twice, including last season.

The way Mel Kiper Jr. sees it, help could be on the way in the NFL draft.

The ESPN draft expert has the Lions selecting LSU running back Derrius Guice at No. 20 in his latest mock draft (pay site), revealed Tuesday. The 5-foot-11, 218-pound Guice rushed for 1,251 yards (5.3 yards a carry) and 11 touchdowns last season for the Tigers.

He averaged 6.5 yards in 471 career carries at LSU.

“This is a spot to watch for a rising pass-rusher, but Detroit would be thrilled with the No. 2 running back on the board,” Kiper writes. “Guice is a true every-down back, which Matthew Stafford has never had in his career. Ameer Abdullah averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in 2017, while Theo Riddick is more of a versatile pass-catcher.

“Guice had 26 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, and he looked every bit as good for the Tigers as Leonard Fournette did in 2016. I also like the fit for USC running back Ronald Jones II and Detroit, so he’s another option as the second back to be drafted.”

Kiper had the Lions selecting Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard in his first mock draft last month, but also told reporters that day that drafting a “top-flight” running back was a must.

The Lions averaged 76.3 yards per game last season, and 3.4 yards per carry.

Kiper doesn’t have Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst going in the first round.