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Below is a recap of what Detroit Lions running backs coach Curtis Modkins had to say about the team's pick of running back Theo Riddick on Saturday. (Quotes provided by the Lions.)
On what he saw in Riddick to draft him: "I think Scott (Linehan) has always done a good job of using guys that have different strengths and abilities in this offense and when I saw Theo I thought he was a guy that offered a couple of different things, He's played receiver, he's played running back so he's been exposed to the run game, the pass game and he knows how to run routes. He's a tough inside runner, so he brings a lot of versatility and I've got some really good close friends at Notre Dame and I lean on them for some information and they love the kid. I'm real excited about the versatility that Theo brings us and I think he's going to help."
On if Riddick can do returns: "I think that's Bono's (Coach John Bonamego) deal. He has some return ability; he's done that stuff before. I think the kid's just a good football player and I think he'll be willing to fit in and help us wherever the need be."
On how he likes the mix of all four guys: "I think we got kind of two bigger guys with Mikel (Leshoure) and Joique (Bell) and then we got two guys that have some similar abilities, guys that have been flexed out of the backfield and guys that have run routes and can do all the kind stuff we like to do. With Reggie (Bush) and now Theo so I think we have two guys that are similar and two other guys that have similar traits."
On Riddick being able to run routes: "Yeah, I think he'll do whatever we ask him to do. They are all going to have their strengths and weaknesses and I'm not sure you ask Theo to do what you ask Calvin to do, but Theo's played wide receiver before, so he's been exposed to the wide receiver tree. Now what he is being asked to do will be determined when we get our hands on him and what we think he can do. He's been exposed to the whole tree as a receiver. That was one of the things that was intriguing about him."
More from POD:
• Track the Lions' picks in our draft StoryStream
• Grade the Lions' 2013 draft class