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With their fifth pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and the 168th overall selection, the Detroit Lions have selected Rutgers fullback Michael Burton.
Given the position, this pick is a bit of a surprise, but this is yet another sign that the Lions really want to improve their running game. That was evident with their first two picks in this year's draft -- a left guard and a running back -- and now they have added yet another blocker to their offense.
At Rutgers, Burton only ran the ball 22 times for 116 yards in four seasons. He did have 47 catches for 401 yards and three touchdowns, though. What's more, check out what NFL Network's Mike Mayock had to say about Burton back in February:
"There are two things I like. One, if you're going to be a fullback in the NFL, you have to be a tough guy. And he is a tough guy, and he's been a lead blocker," Mayock said during a conference call on Monday afternoon. "I think he also catches the football and that's important. I don't really care about him as a runner, but he's got to be able on play-action to sneak out in the flat and catch it, which he does."
With the Lions opting to not re-sign Jed Collins, they only had Emil Igwenagu at fullback coming into the draft. Now, though, with Burton joining the mix, there's a good chance he will be the Lions' starting fullback when the 2015 season begins.
What are your thoughts on this pick?