After several weeks of speculation, and the strong likelihood it would happen, the Detroit Lions indeed traded running back David Montgomery this week. He's headed to the Houston Texans, which was apparently his preferred destination, for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two Day 3 draft picks.
The breakup of "Sonic and Knuckles", the nickname of Montgomery's pairing with Jahmyr Gibbs, now officially leaves the Lions looking for a No. 2 running back.
Opportunity will knock for some incumbent players, but an outside addition feels more likely. A dip into the deep end of the free agent market at running back isn't happening, but there are (and will be, as roster cuts are made) some good options out there.
While Montgomery's role was greatly reduced last season, and Gibbs is more than capable of being the lead back, the No. 2 spot on the running back depth chart for the Lions is important. If something were to happen to Gibbs there would be a natural drop-off in talent to who would replace him, but it best not be a complete cliff-dive.
Post-Combine mock confirms Lions' pivot in draft strategy
In the wake of the NFL Combine, and before free agency, ESPN's Jordan Reid is out with a new two-round mock draft. After Miami (FL) edge rusher Akheem Mesidor in the first round at pick No. 17, Reid had the Lions taking Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price in the second round at pick 50.
"After trading David Montgomery to Houston, the Lions need a bigger back to team up withJahmyr Gibbs. Price is a strong runner who complemented Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame and can do the same with Gibbs."
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However overshadowed once again by his college teammate, Love, Price is coming off a strong showing at the Combine himself (4.49 40, 10-foot-4-inch broad jump, 35-inch vertical jump).
Over three years for the Fighting Irish he averaged an even six yards per carry, with 18 rushing touchdowns over his last two seasons. During on-field work in Indianapolis, he answered questions about his pass-catching ability after limited overall college production there.
If a notable veteran acquisition doesn't happen, the draft would be where the Lions end up going to add a running back. With Montgomery gone and no third-round pick right now, the second round could be the move if the draft board falls that way.