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Detroit Lions: The search for Kerryon Johnson’s ideal running mate

By Brenden Armour

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Kerryon Johnson #33 of the Detroit Lions picks up yardage as Ja'Whaun Bentley #51 of the New England Patriots tries to bring him down from behind during the first half at Ford Field on September 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Kerryon Johnson #33 of the Detroit Lions picks up yardage as Ja'Whaun Bentley #51 of the New England Patriots tries to bring him down from behind during the first half at Ford Field on September 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /

The Detroit Lions finally found a viable threat at running back. However, it would be a wise choice to pair another dangerous option to pair with him.

The Detroit Lions did not fare well this past season. Rookie head coach Matt Patricia went just 6-10 in his first campaign as the head coach of the Lions. This was a disappointment for many fans who were expecting a trip to the playoffs this year.

Now, in their first full offseason together, Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn must put their brains together and hit multiple home runs this offseason. They have already made one very important decision by hiring former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to run the offensive side of the ball for the Lions.

A big part of Bevells’ offense is to pound the rock down his opponents throat with great efficiency. He often has one of the league’s best rushing offenses and one of the better scoring offenses as well. For his plan to succeed in Detroit however, the Lions will likely need to add another good running back to their backfield to pair with rookie sensation Kerryon Johnson.

The Lions don’t have another running back behind him on the depth chart that can carry the ball nearly as effectively as Johnson does. The Lions should be in the market to add another high quality ball carrier this offseason either through free agency and/or the draft.

Doing so would allow the Lions some leeway in case Johnson got injured again, as he has a history of getting injured. If they sign/draft the right back they could find themselves in a similar situation the New Orleans Saints have been in the past few years and could have two dynamic backs toting the rock.

Johnson is a pretty well rounded back. He has good speed, great agility, vision, and balance, and even brings some power to his game. He is also skilled in catching the ball out of the backfield.

Ideally however, the Lions can find someone who can bring more power than Johnson can to the field. It would also be nice to get someone who is very durable and could fill in as the lead back should Johnson get injured and miss any games.

The Detroit Lions have a few options they can take advantage of in their search for Johnson’s ideal running mate. There are a few interesting free agents they could pursue, but this year’s draft class has a few backs the Lions could find in the middle rounds that could turn out to be studs as well.

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