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Detroit Lions Offseason Prediction: Running Backs

By Erik Schlitt

Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) carries the ball for a first down in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) carries the ball for a first down in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we near free agency and the NFL draft, Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn will be looking add players who can spark the running backs unit.

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions running game continues to be a problem. They finished near the bottom of the league in several categories during the 2016 season, including being 30th in total team rush yards and 27th in yards per rush attempt. And while not all the blame falls on the running backs, their production needs to improve if the Lions hope to right the ship.

General manager Bob Quinn has acknowledged that improving the running game is a top priority and while it takes 11 offensive players to do that, the running backs needs to be better. At the end of the season press conference, he stated this to reporters (from Mlive’s Kyle Meinke):

"“I’m always looking to upgrade,” said Quinn, who just completed his first season as Detroit’s general manager. “That’s what my job is. I think the players understand that. “I think the number of new players that we brought in this year and the number of guys we tried out and worked out, I think it was eye-opening to a lot of people. My eyes are always open. If we can get somebody better, then great. But, do I believe in Ameer and Theo and Zach (Zenner) and Dwayne Washington and Mike James? I do.”"

So changes are coming, but they might not be as drastic as some people think. Detroit has a solid foundation of players and while Quinn will be searching all available options, don’t expect him to reach either in free agency or the NFL draft.

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