Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: 3 realistic, bold predictions

#3 – Lions Will Trade Theo Riddick

Last year, running back Kerryon Johnson proved he had the ability to effectively catch the ball out of the backfield and be a legitimate threat as he caught 32 balls for 213 yards (that’s 6.7 yards per reception) and one touchdown. Theo Riddick, the Lions’ third down specialist, carries a larger contract than it would seem he is worth. Riddick caught almost double the passes of Johnson last year but was not as effective with them as Johnson was with his receptions.

Riddick could see himself traded as a cap casualty to a RB needy team as a result of his less effectiveness and inflated contract. One team who could very much use another running back like Riddick is the Jacksonville Jaguars. They have only Leonard Fournette as a runner worth mentioning and no back on the roster who could provide them the impact Riddick could for their team.

It would most likely not cost the Jaguars much in draft pick compensation to land Riddick. A trade that would make sense to me would be the Lions sending Theo Riddick and the 204th overall pick to the Jaguars in exchange for the Jaguars’ 109th overall pick. This would provide the Jaguars with another proven running back and a late sixth round pick this year for just an early fourth round pick.

This trade would also make sense for the Lions because they would pick up another early day three draft pick and could possibly find their own Theo Riddick replacement during round seven of the draft by picking an underrated runner by the name of James Williams from Washington State or Memphis receiving back Tony Pollard (who had a solid Senior Bowl performance).

Like Riddick, Williams does not offer much as a runner but does offer an impressive skill set as a receiver out of the backfield. The Lions could trade Riddick and a late sixth for an early fourth and still get another receiving back for cheap during the seventh round.

There is often speculation thrown about that Riddick could get traded during the offseason or during the draft. This is a trade that would make sense for the Lions and the Jaguars given their precarious situation at running back.