Detroit Lions: Top 3 Running Backs Worth Trading For
By Bob Heyrman
It’s no secret, the Detroit Lions have struggled to run the football. Matt Stafford recently mentioned he’s never had a consistent run game throughout his career. Yes, the Lions have had some talented backs but haven’t had a bell cow since Barry Sanders retired.
With the Detroit Lions placing second-year back Kerryon Johnson on IR-R, they have a glaring need in the backfield. While Ty Johnson looks to be a nice complementary piece, the team would be wise to make a move for more of a lead back before the Tuesday NFL trade deadline. That is if they feel like they can continue to compete for a wild card spot in the NFC. I just don’t see them chasing down the top spot in the division. Green Bay continues to win football games.
Before suffering a knee injury, Kerryon Johnson was only averaging 3.3 yards per carry. That number down significantly from last season where he averaged a league-high 5.4 yards per tote in ten regular-season games. Johnson’s health was often less than 100% during his time at the University of Auburn. He was limited to just 10 games in his rookie season and now injured only 2 carries into week 7 this year.
His injury history should not be ignored. The Detroit Lions need to find him a running mate. Ty Johnson may eventually turn into that back, but at the moment, it appears head coach Matt Patricia is reluctant to give the rookie more than 10 touches a week.
At the moment, the Detroit Lions are trying to get it done with Tra Carson a Green Bay Packers offspring along with rookie Ty Johnson, and receiving specialist J.D. McKissic. That’s not a backfield that will exactly strike fear into an opponent.
I’m not so sure that Melvin Gordon is available at this time. Earlier in the season during his holdout, I suspect the Chargers would have made a deal, especially for a first-round draft pick. That being said, I wouldn’t give up a first-round choice for a guy who doesn’t seem like the best option on his team in the backfield at the moment.
Austin Ekeler has been phenomenal for the Chargers. With an aging Philip Rivers and a team that always seems to excel in the second half of the season, I expect Gordon to stay in L.A. He just needed to be mentioned.
Here are three backs the Lions should consider trading for today.