As the 2023 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the Detroit Lions' running back situation. With rumors swirling about potential trades, free agent signings, and draft picks, it's hard to keep up with the latest developments. In this article, we'll break down the current state of the Lions' RB corps and make some predictions about what we might see in the coming months.
First, let's take a look at who's currently on the Lions' roster. The team's top RB last season was D'Andre Swift, a second-year player out of Georgia. Swift showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign and took over the starting job mid-season in 2022. He finished the year with 1,164 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most promising young backs in the league. Behind Swift, the Lions have a few other options, including Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson, and Dedrick Mills. While none of these players are superstars, they all have some potential to contribute in 2023.
The Kerryon Johnson Trade Rumors
One of the biggest rumors surrounding the Lions' RB situation is a potential trade involving Kerryon Johnson. Johnson was a second-round pick by the Lions in 2018 and was expected to be a key part of their offense for years to come. However, injuries and inconsistent play have derailed his career, and he saw very limited action in 2022. Now, there are rumors that the Lions might look to trade him this offseason.
While it's unclear exactly what the Lions could get in return for Johnson, there are a few potential suitors who could be interested. The Houston Texans, for example, have a need at RB and could potentially offer a mid-round draft pick. The Miami Dolphins are another team that has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Johnson.
The Free Agent Market
If the Lions do decide to trade Johnson, they could look to the free agent market to find a replacement. There are a few intriguing options available, including James Conner, Kenyan Drake, and Gus Edwards.
Conner is coming off a strong season with the Arizona Cardinals, where he rushed for 680 yards and six touchdowns. He's a powerful runner who could provide some much-needed toughness to the Lions' offense. Drake, meanwhile, is a versatile back who can contribute in both the running and passing game. Edwards is a bit of a wildcard, but he's shown flashes of potential in limited action with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Draft
Of course, the Lions could also look to the draft to address their RB needs. They have the 10th overall pick in the first round, and there are a few RBs who could be available at that spot. Ohio State's Trey Sermon, for example, is a big, physical back who could be a good complement to Swift. North Carolina's Ty Chandler is another name to watch, as he's a speedy, shifty runner who could be a good fit in the Lions' offense.
Overall, the Lions' RB situation is still very much in flux. While Swift is clearly the top option, there are plenty of questions about the depth behind him. Whether the team decides to trade Johnson, sign a free agent, or draft a rookie, it's clear that they need to add some talent to the position if they want to compete in the tough NFC North.
Final Thoughts
As we've seen, the Detroit Lions' RB situation is a bit of a mixed bag heading into the 2023 season. While D'Andre Swift is a promising young back, there are plenty of questions about the depth behind him. The team could look to trade Kerryon Johnson, sign a free agent, or draft a rookie to address those concerns. Ultimately, it will be up to the Lions' front office to make the right moves and put together a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
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