Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft: Grading each pick

2 of 6

AUBURN, AL – OCTOBER 07: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers rushes for this touchdown past Marquis Haynes #38 of the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

AUBURN. KERRYON JOHNSON. B. player. Scouting Report. RUNNING BACK. Pick Analysis. 50

The Detroit Lions traded a fourth round pick to the New England Patriots to move up to the 43rd overall selection in the second round to draft Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson. Again, the Lions moved up to get their guy.

By doing so, they bypassed another promising prospect in LSU’s Derrius Guice. But Detroit saw the writing on the wall, with a run of talented prospects suddenly off-the-board, and pull the trigger on a trade to get Johnson.

Appearing to have the patience of Le’Veon Bell and the running-style of DeMarco Murray, Johnson figures to bring a tough-nosed, smart running game back to the Motor City.

Detroit has invested heavily in the offensive line in front of Johnson. Combine that O-line and this rookie runner with veteran LeGarrette Blount, and the Lions suddenly have a smash-mouth duo to run the rock.

The running game should be vastly improved in Detroit in 2018.

Home/Lions Draft