Round 5b: RB Jason Huntley (N.M. State ):Pick # 172 ( 2020 )

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2020 NFL draft: Detroit Lions add WR Quintez Cephus, RB Jason Huntley in fifth round

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The following threads relate to this new thread:

Round 2: RB D'Andre Swift ( Georgia ) : Pick # 35 ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/665/round-dandre-swift-georgia-pick


Ranking Lions needs heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/661/ranking-lions-heading-2020-draft

NFL Draft Preview: Running Backs ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/595/draft-preview-running-backs-2020

NFL Draft Preview: Wide Receivers ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/596/draft-preview-wide-receivers-2020

Round 4: G Logan Stenberg ( Kentucky. ) :Pick # 121 ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/669/round-logan-stenberg-kentucky-pick

Jason Huntley measured close to 5'8 1/2", with a weight of 182 lbs, during the days leading up to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game.

Though Jason Huntley wasn't a player who came to mind to me when giving thought to the Lions and NFL Pre-Draft period, I like the Lions decision to draft him with pick # 172, in the 2nd half of Round 5. Huntley has differential NFL potential. His natural ability and production at New Mexico St. jump out.

In addition to Huntley's NFL playmaking potential, he has the type of versatility that can save a Game Day and overall roster spot. Maybe, even 2 spots at times. Huntley can be used as a RB on a limited basis, as a slot receiver, lining up wide on occasion, and on kickoff returns. His receiving and kickoff return numbers on the college level jump out!

At the very least, Huntley is legit competition for Ty Johnson as a RB and in the Kickoff Return pecking order. Which includes, slot CB Jamal Agnew.

One thing in particular must improve on if he's going to make the Lions 53 man roster and remain on the roster is ball security. He fumbled 5 times as a Senior.

Based on the available draft options at pick # 166 and what transpired with the Lions remaining 2 selections, the only player that went after Huntley and before the Lions were on the clock again with pick # 197, in Round 6, that I would have preferred the Lions to draft over Huntley ( now that I'm aware of Huntley ), is Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones ( pick # 187-Browns selection ). As much differential potential Huntley has, DPJ has differential potential off the charts.

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4 things to know about Jason Huntley, Lions’ speedy new back

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The following thread also relates to this thread because of the ramification of the trade up in Round 3:

Round 3b: G Jonah Jackson ( Ohio St. ) :Pick # 75 ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/667/round-jonah-jackson-ohio-pick

Jason Huntley could be this year's version of J.D. McKissic on Offense for the Lions, if he could adapt quickly to Darrell Bevell's system. Something, McKissic had great familiarity with from their days with the Seahawks.

[papajoe]

I like this pick; IMO it a very good use of the overall #172 pick in the draft for the reason(s) David pointed out: versatility. It’s a long way off; but I won’t be surprised to see Jason Huntley opening the season as the Lions’ #1 kickoff/punt returner. I, also, like his receiving skills; and won’t be shocked to see him line up as a receiver, either slot or wide, more often than as a running back.


Joe

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Joe, even though Jason Huntley wasn't used as a Punt Returner with New Mexico St., I'm hoping the Lions provide Huntley opportunities as a Punt Returner in Training Camp. And before then if it turns out there are some practices in the off-season. So much with Huntley is going to depend on ball security, something that Jamal Agnew has had difficulty with on returns.

[papajoe]

Oops...my bad; you are correct. I misread Jason Huntley’s bio; I thought he returned punts at NMSU.


Joe

[D6]

Joe, I'm glad you brought up Punt Returning. It's a role that if Jason Huntley demonstrates he can handle with reliability ( factoring in his enormous upside as a Punt Returner as he gains experience and exposure ), sky is the limit in terms of his value to the Lions.

[D6]

New Lions RB Jason Huntley’s early pro day just might have landed him in Detroit

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For the record, Jason Huntley had 2 Receiving TDs his Senior season.

A 4.37 40 time is terrific. Though Huntley is FAST, sometimes the track players are tested on during Pro Days, has a faster surface than the track used for testing at the Combine in Indianapolis.

[D6]

Beat writer roundtable: Breaking down every Lions draft pick with those who know them best. JASON HUNTLEY

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Excellent information! Including on Punt Returning, which Joe and I discussed, and that Jason Huntley was very durable at New Mexico State ( even in practice.).

[D6]

Why Detroit Lions' 'fearless' draft pick Jason Huntley should have role on offense in 2020

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The competition in multiple positions and roles that I'm anticipating Jason Huntley providing, by itself, should make the Lions a better team in the 2020 season.

[D6]

Speedy Lions rookie RB Jason Huntley comes on strong amid banged-up backfield


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Between the explosive play making ability Jason Huntley has shown in training camp on Offense and Huntley being a 5th Round pick this year, I think there's a very good chance he will be on the Lions roster following the cutdown to 53. The risk of exposing Huntley to cutdown waivers is way too high.