Detroit Lions: Running back
The running game woes of the Detroit Lions have been well-documented over the years, but with a new head coach and a draft rich with running back talent, is this the year we finally see the Lions reverse that ugly trend?
With new head coach Matt Patricia coming over from New England, where the ground game was a key to the Patriots’ continued success, the Lions could very well look to address the running back position early in the 2018 Draft. Signing LeGarrette Blount to a one-year deal in free agency is a low-risk addition, but Detroit should add another running back early in what is one of the deepest classes in recent memory.
The team placed the franchise tag on star defensive end Ziggy Ansah, so looking at edge prospects could be a possibility, but the Lions will be in great shape for next season and beyond if they’re able to jumpstart the running game. LSU’s Derrius Guice is one name who could make sense with the 20th pick in the first round, as well as Arizona State’s Kalen Ballage, whom the team met with at the Senior Bowl in January.
In order for the Lions to return to the playoffs in 2018, they’ll need to take some of the pressure of Matthew Stafford, and the best way to do that is by establishing the running game. The team has already pumped plenty of resources into the offensive line in recent years, so finding a long-term solution at running back in this deep draft class could make their offense even harder to stop for opposing defenses.