Detroit Lions: The rookie to watch during training camp

Despite the addition of an exciting rookie class to the Motor City, there is one drafted player every Detroit Lions fans should be watching during training camp.

All offseason, the 2018 draft hype surround the Detroit Lions was concerning the team’s first-round selection and whether or not they would use it on a premier running back. That, following a season where the Motor City’s rushing attack ran on empty, posting the worst performance in the NFL on the ground.

Shockingly, the Lions’ front office had their hearts set on selecting an offensive lineman 20th overall instead. That player being Arkansas center Frank Ragnow. In total, five of the draft’s top running backs would be taken off the board before the Lions would make a move to select one of their own.

Those rookie runners being Penn State’s Saquan Barkley by the New York Giants second overall, San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny 27th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, Georgia’s Sony Michel 31st overall by the New England Patriots, Georgia’s Nick Chubb 35th overall by the Cleveland Browns and USC’s Ronald Jones 38th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Originally possessing the 51st overall pick in the second round, the Lions’ brass found themselves on the outside looking in following a serious run of running backs. So, Detroit opted to trade up eight spots in order to grab Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson.

Johnson, along with free agent running back LeGarrette Blount, are now the new offensive weapons in the Motor City who are expected to resurrect the Lions’ lifeless rushing attack. Although it’s the 31-year old Blount that is coming off back-to-back Super Bowl wins, many believe Kerryon will become the workhorse in Detroit this season.

And that fact makes Johnson the top rookie to watch when training camp kicks off later this month.

"“The Lions are hoping the solution to their backfield problem is Johnson, the second-round pick who has drawn rave reviews from those who have taken the time to go back and watch his Auburn film,” wrote Nick Shook for NFL.com. “Riddick will continue to be the pass-catching threat in the backfield, but Johnson enters camp with a good chance to earn the lead role on the ground.”"

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During his time at Auburn, Kerryon Johnson racked up 2,494 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns in three seasons. But the hard-nosed rookie also fought through numerous injuries through both college and high school. Durability will be a major concern for Johnson in Detroit. But the Lions undoubtedly hope sharing the load with LeGarrette Blount will limit their first-year runner’s chances of breaking down early.