Kerryon Johnson

Johnson flashed the upside of a true three-down back for a second consecutive season last year, but he had trouble staying healthy and in the lineup. A knee injury suffered Week 7 required surgery and cost him eight games, sabotaging a solid start to the season that had seen him pile up 411 yards and three TDs in the Lions' first five games. Johnson showed improved chemistry with Matthew Stafford to begin the year, averaging nearly 10 yards per target through those first five games, but his physical running style has proven a poor match for his slightly undersized frame (5-11, 206). After bringing in veterans behind Johnson the last two years, Detroit sprung for an early draft pick in the backfield this offseason, nabbing D'Andre Swift at No. 35 overall. The Georgia product is a better prospect than Johnson was as a second-round pick in 2018, carrying more weight (212) in a shorter frame (5-8) while boasting 4.48 speed and a college average of 6.6 YPC. Swift also offers three-down potential after averaging 24.3 catches, 222 yards and 1.7 touchdowns in his three seasons as a Bulldog. With Bo Scarbrough and fifth-round pick Jason Huntley lingering at the bottom of the depth chart, and Adrian Peterson having been signed just before the regular season, Johnson suddenly finds himself in a crowded backfield where he no longer holds the advantage in pedigree.

For an eight-game stretch in the middle of last season, the Lions looked like they'd found their new feature back in Johnson. The rookie amassed 751 scrimmage yards and four TDs Weeks 3-11, with 5.5 YPC and 16.1 touches per game in that stretch before a knee injury ended his season. He has some traits of a No. 1 RB in the NFL, running with power, balance and burst while also showing aptitude as a receiver, but he might not have the frame (206 pounds) to withstand the punishment his running style brings over a 16-game schedule. The switch at offensive coordinator from Jim Bob Cooter to Darrell Bevell should benefit Johnson, though. Bevell ran the Vikings and Seahawks offenses during the primes of Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, so he has a long track record of bringing out the best in his backfields. The Lions signed C.J. Anderson to be a reliable veteran backup in case Johnson breaks down again, but the release of Theo Riddick could free up work on passing downs. Johnson's efficiency from last season suggests he's a useful pass catcher who doesn't need a huge rushing workload to be productive.

The Lions traded up to the 43rd overall pick in this year's draft to select Johnson in the second round, and one look at the tape from his junior year at Auburn tells you why. The 21-year-old is an explosive runner, hitting holes and getting to the second level before linebackers can blink, with great balance and an aggressive edge allowing him to pick up tough yards after contact. The Le'Veon Bell comparison is undoubtedly ambitious, as he does not quite have Bell's otherworldly vision and patience when it comes to finding holes, but Johnson does have three-down potential. There are concerns about his durability given his running style and skinny frame, but he will not be asked to take on a massive workload right away with LeGarrette Blount arriving from Philadelphia and Theo Riddick still around to serve as the primary third-down and receiving back. If Johnson adapts to the NFL quickly, though, he has the talent to steal touches from both of his veteran teammates.