Detroit Lions: 5 offseason needs

2. Find a feature back

Specialization in the NFL can work at the skill position. Theo Riddick is an excellent pass-catching back, but he’s not a great running back, and Ameer Abdullah simply hasn’t lived up to his draft status.

I’m not willing to give up on the former Nebraska stand out, but the clock isn’t just ticking; the alarm is going off and it’s time to figure out a new plan.

In a deep running back group, the Lions could tab a first-round back like Derrius Guice or even Sony Michel, or wait until later on a player like Nick Chubb whose size, power, and speed would be an excellent fit next to Riddick.

The Lions don’t need an everydown back, but they do need someone who can be a pure runner in this offense to compliment Riddick. Giving Matthew Stafford a legitimate backfield weapon will make their deep passing game off play action even more devastating with that stable of receivers.

Picking up a bigger back on Day 2 in the draft like Chubb or Royce Freeman would make a ton of sense. If LeGarrette Blount wanted to test the free agent waters, he could be a solid fit as well.