Detroit Lions free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (10) makes a catch and run during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on November 25, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 30: Mike Davis #27 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

4. RB Mike Davis (Seattle Seahawks)

Last offseason, the Lions made a concerted effort to improve a ground attack that had been below average for far too long. From 2014-17, no team in the NFL gained fewer yards on the ground than the Men from Motown.

Hence, general manager Bob Quinn added proven veteran LeGarrette Blount and used a second-round draft choice on Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson. The rookie performer showed flashes early and would wind up leading the team in rushing yards (641) despite playing in just the first 10 games of the season. But oddly enough, the Lions were held below 100 yards rushing as a team in eight of those contests.

It was obvious that when the team committed to the run, the Lions’ chances of success increased greatly. That’s certainly not ground-breaking news. But the hiring of one-time Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was. He led the team’s attack from 2011-17 and it’s safe to say he knows something about the running game. Now the team must prepare to possibly replace not only Blount but running back Zach Zenner.

The current Seahawks have a stable of solid running backs in Chris Carson and 2018 first-round pick Rashaad Penny, as well as Mike Davis. The latter finished second on the team with 514 yards and three scores on 112 carries. He also added 34 catches for 214 yards and one touchdown and would make for a solid compliment to Johnson.

Next: Jermaine Kearse

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