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Lions reportedly eying short-yardage free agent options

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 14: Matt Asiata #44 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the New England Patriots on September 14, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Asiata scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

  • Despite ranking near the bottom of the league in rushing via traditional stats, Detroit opted to not select a running back in last week’s draft and could look to fill the need with remaining free agents. Both LeGarrette Blount and Matt Asiata have reportedly spoken with the team.
  • Blount’s 2016 grade of 68.0 was his worst since 2012, and his 2.48 yards after contact ranked just 29th out of 53 qualifying RBs.
  • Blount was successful of 55 percent of his short-yardage runs, which ranked 34th among qualifying RBs.
  • Asiata’s 2016 grade of 68.6 was the highest of career. Often called a “power back,” he averaged just 2.04 yards after contact last year, 51st among qualifying RBs.
  • Asiata’s 56 percent success rate on short-yardage runs ranked 29th among qualifying RBs.

Matt Asiata

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