The five player additions that will define the Detroit Lions season
By Ash Thompson
Kerryon Johnson
The Lions have built a workable committee among their running back group. In the perfect scenario, their second-round pick Kerryon Johnson steps immediately into the lead role. The faster he becomes the Lions three-down back the better it is for the team in 2018. LeGarrette Blount is a between the tackles jackhammer, Theo Riddick catches passes, Ameer Abdullah does everything at a just below starting-caliber level.
The Lions have one possibility in their lineup for a legitimate all-purpose threat and that is Johnson. He showed that ability in college. Many running backs have failed to transition that success to the NFL level, however.
To justify his draft slot, Johnson needs to become the first option for the team in all situations. A second-round pick is supposed to be a legitimate starter for the team in short order. Next season he will be given the opportunity. Blount and Abdullah are both free agents, and Johnson will take over both roles.
It would be better for the Lions if Johnson just took the job this year by force. The transition from college to the NFL is not drastic for most running backs that are going to be successful. Their initial season is often a very good indicator of whether they have a future. The Lions coaches are saying good things about the kid. His ascent up the depth chart during the preseason is key.