The Detroit Lions running back no one is talking about

Lost in the shuffle of exciting new faces in the Detroit Lions backfield is a veteran running back who is finally free to do what he does best.

The Detroit Lions had a clear mission statement this offseason. The Motor City is determined to run the ball with more success in 2018. Coming off a 9-7 season where the running game posted a league-low 76.3 rushing yards per contest, Detroit invested heavily in both their offensive line and their backfield earlier this year.

The Lions used their top two selections in the 2018 NFL Draft to beef up their scrawny rushing attack. Arkansas center Frank Ragnow was drafted in the first round. Ragnow’s presence figures to complete the renovation of their offensive line, which started back in 2016 with fellow first-round pick, starting left tackle Taylor Decker.

Then, Detroit traded up in the second round to draft Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson. Along with newly signed veteran free agent LeGarrette Blount, these two new faces in the backfield are expected to transform the Lions’ running game in 2018.

But the presence of Johnson and Blount will also allow sixth-year running back Theo Riddick to do what he does best. That being a dynamic receiver out of the backfield. In fact, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, Riddick is someone fans should be more excited about.

"“One player I think people should be excited about who has kind of cruised under the radar: Theo Riddick … He’s turned in a couple stunners already, including one today where he got behind Jarrad Davis and then dove to make a sliding catch. On another play, he used a double move to get wide open downfield but the ball was overthrown.”"

Many forget that Riddick is only two seasons removed from recording 80 receptions for 697 yards and three touchdowns. The 27-year old has racked up 106 catches for a combined 815 yards and seven scores the last two years, while also having to be the team’s top rushing option at times starting in 13 games during that span.

In fact, Riddick was forced to pick up the rushing mantle again late last season, starting in the Lions’ final five games after Ameer Abdullah was essentially benched.

In 2015, Theo Riddick led the league in receptions for a running back. (tied with the San Diego Chargers’ Danny Woodhead) With more help than ever to carry the rushing load, Riddick should be free to reclaim his title as one of the NFL’s most dynamic receiving threats out of the backfield.