Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest burning question in 2018

By Brad Weiss

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the invited attendees to the 2017 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the invited attendees to the 2017 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers looks to maneuver by defensive lineman Donald Louis Jr. #58 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers looks to maneuver by defensive lineman Donald Louis Jr. #58 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions: Are Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount the final pieces to the puzzle on offense?

The Detroit Lions were the kings of the NFC North for most of the 2016 NFL season, before losing their grip on a division title in the final week of the season. Still, the pieces appeared to be in place for them to be perennial contenders in the division, especially with one of the more productive quarterbacks in the NFC under center.

Prior to that season, the Lions made Stafford the highest-paid player in the NFL, and he was just as productive as he always is in 2017. The problem was, the offense was too one-sided, and by the time the dust settled, they could not win the NFC North even with Aaron Rodgers missing most of the season with a broke collarbone.

During the 2018 NFL Draft, the Lions filled a need by drafting a running back in Kerryon Johnson. As a member of the Auburn Tigers, Johnson was one of the best rushers in the SEC, and helped the Tigers become one of the more feared offensive teams in not only the conference, but in the FBS.

Last season, the Lions deployed the tandem of Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick, but neither of them proved to be someone you can depend on. They both averaged well under four yards per carry, making the need for a player like Johnson that much more of a priority in the draft.

Both Riddick and Abdullah are back in 2018, and along with Johnson, the team also added LeGarrette Blount to the fold. This is a crowded backfield, but all bring something to the table, and together, they may finally be able to supplement a very solid passing attack in the Motor City.

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