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A CLOSER LOOK: Fullback Nick Bawden

Fullback Nick Bawden, San Diego State.

Pick: Seventh round, 237 overall.

Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 245.

Bio/stats: Bawden began his career at San Diego State as a quarterback, but was moved to fullback after starting two games as a freshman  – with a 1-1 won-loss record. He completed 13 of 38 passes for 147 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

View photos of fullback Nick Bawden.

Moved to fullback, he was a lightly used reserve in 2015, then blocked for two prolific runners -- Donnell Pumphrey (2016) and Rashaad Penny (2017). Bawden had 30 career pass receptions – all in 2016-17 combined – and 12 carries for 47 yards.

Lead blocker, draft follower: Penny, who rushed for 2,248 yards with Bawden helping lead the way, was drafted 27th overall by the Seattle Seahawks. That was 2,201 more yards gained in his career than by Bawden, who was drafted 210 picks after Penny.

Analysts take: An unidentified scout from Bobmcginnfootball.com: "He's a little bit of a throwback. Just a tough guy. Also has some skill out of the backfield. He's really tough."

Mike O'Hara's take: "The Lions eliminated the fullback from the offense last year. Drafting Bawden means they're either returning the fullback to the offense, or they like Bawden's toughness enough to think he can help on special teams, or perhaps learn another position. Time will tell."

Tim Twentyman's take: "Bob Quinn really wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to bolster the run game. The team added an interior offensive lineman, running back and now fullback. The Lions didn't have a fullback on the roster after releasing Michael Burton last season. The seventh round is a good spot to fill a position of need that fits the value in this case. Bawden led the way for the nation's top two rushers in 2016 and 2017."

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