Detroit Lions position battles and roster breakdown: Running back
By Zac Snyder
We take a look at where the Detroit Lions stand at running back as the offseason rolls on and 2017 training camp approaches.
Can the Detroit Lions improve their running game? That has been a popular question to ask when considering the Lions’ chances for the 2017 season.
The Lions did well in free agency to improve the offensive line, but while Rick Wagner and T.J. Lang are improvements over Riley Reiff and Larry Warford, the upgrade comes more in terms of pass protection than run blocking.
Lang may have graded out by Pro Football Focus as superior to Warford overall, but Warford graded out higher in the run blocking component. At right tackle, Wagner and Reiff graded out fairly evenly for run blocking.
If there is to be improvement in the running game, it will have to be a combined effort between the offensive line and the running backs. The names in the mix are familiar, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a position battle at running back. It may not be for roster spots, but roles and playing time should be up for grabs.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Lions’ running back situation, starting with who is back for the 2017 season.