Where are the Detroit Lions at the running back position?
With eight guys on the roster and a maximum of five spots available, the Detroit Lions will have some interesting decisions ahead of them at running back.
Of general manager Bob Quinn’s six picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, four of them were on the offensive side of the ball. All four of these picks will directly affect the Detroit Lions running game in the years to come.
Here are those offensive picks:
- 1st Round (20 overall) – Frank Ragnow, center/guard (Arkansas)
- 2nd Round (43 overall) – Kerryon Johnson, running back (Auburn)
- 5th Round (153 overall) – Tyrell Crosby, tackle (Oregon)
- 7th Round (237 overall) – Nick Bawden, fullback (San Diego State)
Both offensive linemen are known for their run blocking. So, that’s a good start. Ragnow will help right away as a starter, while Crosby adds depth to the line in general.
Then there are the two backs. Johnson will clearly be part of the rotation, while Bawden will have to fight to make the roster.
There are three Detroit Lions that are sure-fire to make the 2018 roster:
- LeGarrette Blount
- One of the more important free agent signings this off-season, proven to be a great pro (especially the past three seasons)
- Kerryon Johnson
- High pick comes with high expectations (and an automatic roster spot)
- Theo Riddick
- Production as a receiver, proven worthy of a role on this team
That leaves five guys to battle for a maximum of two positions on the roster. Each of them has a particular value, so let’s go through them one by one.