RB Aaron Brown (TCU) - Round 6, Pick No. 192

After taking the entire fifth round off, the Lions were back on the clock in round six and selected Aaron Brown, an Aveion Cason-like running back from TCU.  He has the ability to return kicks and can catch passes, making him a good addition for depth purposes.  Brown's versatility is his big appeal, as he has more of a chance of making it in the NFL as a third-stringer who sees sporadic playing time rather than a starter or even a backup, for that matter.

Experts' Opinions

Best trait per Scouts Inc.:

Explodes out of breaks and can separate from man coverage.  Shows natural hands and can catch the ball in-stride. Won't be as much of a homerun threat at the NFL level but can still pick up yards after the catch.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Versatile running back with an array of ball handling skills. Smart football player, finds lanes and quickly gets through them. Instinctive, creates his own yardage on the inside, and darts around opponents getting through the small creases of the defense. Quickly cuts back against the grain, avoiding piles, displays solid open field running skills, and makes defenders miss in a small area. Weaves through the traffic, and uses blocks all over the field. Solid pass catcher out of the backfield. Picks up blocking assignments and gives effort.

NEGATIVES: Mostly a one-speed back who cannot run to daylight or turn the corner. Lacks strength in his running, and not a ball carrier who breaks tackles or picks up yardage off initial contact. Struggled with injuries and suspensions the past two years.

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Outlook for 2009

Brown will likely battle with Aveion Cason for a spot on the roster as the Lions' third-string running back.  I tend to think he has a slight advantage based on the fact that he is younger and is probably seen as having more potential.  We already know what Cason can do -- be an average kick returner and come into the game for a carry every once in a while.  Brown very well may be no more than a Cason clone, but he does have more potential.  For that reason I think he could make the roster, but we will just have to wait and see.