Detroit Lions: Getting to know Running Back Kerryon Johnson

One thing the Detroit Lions tried to improve during the draft was their running game. The drafting of running back Kerryon Johnson should help.

Many Detroit Lions fans were surprised with the strategy the team took in improving their team during the draft. Many fans, such as myself, expected the team to address the defense in the first round and draft a pass rusher.

Instead, the team took a different approach and chose to address the running game, drafting center Frank Ragnow and running back Kerryon Johnson in the first two rounds

Despite all the criticism they have received from all the so-called “experts”, I thought the Lions did a great job in the draft. Even though they didn’t use a high draft pick on someone to rush the quarterback, they did address an issue that’s been plaguing this team for the better part of this century.

And that issue has been the running game. As Lions fans know all too well, the fatal flaw preventing this team from being a playoff contender is the running game.

You could make a case that the Lions have been the worst team in the NFL at running the football in the past five years. They finished dead last in total rushing yards last season, and haven’t had a player run for 100 yards since Reggie Bush in 2013.

As soon as the Lions can develop some sort of running offense, it will make their offense much more balanced, opening up the field for Stafford with defenses having to prepare for both him and the threats in the backfield.

Perhaps the reason the Lions haven’t done well in the backfield is the fact that they have never found a true answer at the spot, a consistent threat to pound between the tackles and use his speed on the outside. Kerryon Johnson might be that answer.

The former Auburn Tiger uses his great combination of strength and speed to succeed after he’s handed the ball. At six feet tall and weighing in at 213 pounds, it’s very impressive that he was able to run a 4.55 40 yard dash at his pro day, proving that he has NFL speed.

Johnson has been a mainstay in the Auburn backfield since 2015, totaling 2,494 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns in his career, with 18 of those coming in the previous season.

Running backs have been staples of the Detroit passing game for a while now, with Theo Riddick being the latest beneficiary of Stafford’s short throws in the flats.

Johnson is a versatile running back who can also catch the ball and make a play with it. He especially excelled in this skill this past season, posting two receiving touchdowns and averaging more than 8 yards per catch. If he can duplicate those numbers in the NFL, he’ll have no problem carving a spot on the Detroit roster.

Johnson can be the missing piece in this Detroit backfield. With Riddick as a third down back and veteran LeGarrette Blount as a short yardage power back, Johnson has the potential to be the bell cow back that can headline the new and improved offense.

Many experts love Johnson, and love that the Lions traded up in the second round to take him. The Detroit Free Press gave the Lions an A for the draft pick, loving his versatility and the fact that he is a bigger back that run between the tackles.

I’m very excited to see what Johnson can do this upcoming season. Not only does he appear to have the speed and size to contribute in the NFL, he also shows a drive to get better every day and should fit in well in the locker room.

Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft: Grading each pick

It’s not too crazy to dream about those fateful days in August when Johnson will finally take the field in the Honolulu. Until them, enjoy some highlights to quench your thirst, and enjoy all the amazing things that this man can do on a football field.