Detroit Lions: End-of-season 2018 award predictions

Comeback Player of the Year: Taylor Decker, OL

This one was a close call between defensive lineman Kerry Hyder Jr., who missed all of last season with a torn Achilles following a breakout year, and Decker, who missed half the season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

While Decker only missed the first eight games of the 2017 season, the effects of his absence reverberated for much longer. Decker struggled to return to form upon his abrupt return and clearly lacked the chemistry he once had with his teammates along the offensive line.

Going into the 2018 season, the Lions have invested lots of resources into their offensive line and running game, and for the first time in a while, it seems that there is optimism regarding the Lions’ offensive line from sources outside of the fan base.

Decker should be a big beneficiary of the offseason, not only to get acclimated with the new scheme but also to get back in his groove after having such a roller coaster of a season last year.

Rookie of the Year: Kerryon Johnson, RB

Many are expecting Matt Patricia to bring the running-back-by-committee format with him to the Lions. This is still Jim Bob Cooter’s offense, however, and in years past Lions brass have not shied away from ranking running backs by their positions on the depth chart.

On top of that, Kerryon Johnson is likely the most complete back on the roster. Johnson offers the ability to run inside or outside the tackles, pass block, pass catch, even run the wildcat.

Aside from Ameer Abdullah, there’s really no other back on the roster who comes close to such a skillset, and with Abdullah spending much of the past two seasons injured, he’s not exactly expected to take the role of number one back.

Early reports out of Allen Park indicate that Johnson is everything he was advertised to be, leading many to predict that he will decisively take over the starting back role. Looks like the Kerryon Johnson hype train is about ready to leave the station.