The Detroit Lions spent the week acquiring new players. As we analyze the roster, how do these players change the draft for Bob Quinn? Read on.
This week has been a frenzy of activity as the Detroit Lions signed a crop of free agents, all of whom address needs on both sides of the ball. The moves make guessing the Lions draft plans harder but some issues remain. What we want to do is take a step back and look at each signing but also ask how the pick-up alters our thinking about the draft.
Both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers signed four players during the early hours of the new NFL season, which started March Eleventh and then they went out and re-signed one of their own. That pushes general manager Bob Quinn’s free agent class up to five so far. March 13th at 4:00 p.m. will be the actual start to the 2019 season, though.
Detroit Lions re-sign RB
Zach Zenner is back after a mostly up 2018. The fourth-year man out of South Dakota State had his best year as a Lions runner after finishing out the 2018 season as the Lions starter. Injuries to Kerryon Johnson and general ineffectiveness of LeGarrette Blount necessitated a change in the backfield and Zenner stepped up. His season finale stat line was 21 carries for 93 yards and a score.
Zenner was cut at the end of the preseason due to a back injury in early 2018. He rehabbed and was signed back near midseason to bolster the run game. Although used sparingly early on, his role grew leading into the end of season Green Bay matchup.
Zenner is mostly a between-the-tackles, power runner but has also shown that his hands are good, too.
His re-signing gives the Lions three runners (Johnson and Theo Riddick) on the roster but Zenner seems destined for special teams and possibly short-yardage duty. Most people view him as an RB3, not a bonafide second option.