#OnePride Q/A: Exploring RB additions the Lions could consider

Check out and see how fans felt about the Detroit Lions RB corps. Can Devonta Freeman or Antonio Gibson help the Detroit Lions running back corps?

Throughout the week, we at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base several questions, hoping to hear their voice on various topics concerning the Detroit Lions.

Through the use of Twitter polls, we were able to gauge the fan’s thoughts on a variety of topics, including what they believe the Lions are poised to do in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.

Confidence with Lions’ RB corps?

Zack’s take: Fans were split on how confident they felt with the current Lions’ running back corps, ranging from reasonably confident to not so sure. Kerryon Johnson is the Lions’ primary weapon, but he hasn’t played a full season since he was drafted. Bo Scarbrough saw a career rejuvenation with the Lions but was it a fluke or things to come? As a sixth-round rookie, Ty Johnson saw an increase in touches when the injury bug hit Detroit but is his roster spot guaranteed?

Based on the current group of running backs on the roster, I fall under the 50-60-percent confidence range. On the surface, it has the potential to be a solid rotation of backs, but the depth and injury questions surrounding this group are hard to ignore.

Free-agent to the rescue?

Zack’s take: Devonta Freeman was unable to live up to his contract with the Atlanta Falcons and he was released after averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry last season. With his impressive receiving skills, Freeman has the potential to still be an effective back, with his biggest obstacle being the cost to sign him. With how quiet his free agency market has been, I suspect the cost to acquire him wouldn’t be too high. If the Lions’ strikeout in the draft, Freeman would offer them solid depth and a veteran presence for the young runners.

I included Prosise in this poll because he played under Bevell in Seattle and would fit in the Lions’ offensive scheme. He has terrific receiving skills but has been injury-prone, only playing in 25 games since 2016. If he can prove healthy, Prosise could be an option in a similar way J.D. McKissic was last year.

Suitable round for a running back?

Zack’s take: I agree with the fans here, feeling the most comfortable taking a running back in the third or fourth rounds. There have been plenty of mock drafts projecting the Lions to draft a running back in the second round, but I can’t see them using another second-round selection on a running back.

Don’t get me wrong, it would be fun to see either J.K Dobbins or Jonathon Taylor in Honolulu blue, but the Lions have more pressing needs early in the draft. The mid rounds feel like the perfect range for the Lions to get a complement back like A.J. Dillion or Darrynton Evans, both who have been talked about extensively as potential targets.

Speaking of potential targets.

Potential draft prospects to help?

Zack’s take: Gibson ran away with this one and it’s easy to see why. He is a versatile playmaker with his beautiful blend of speed, size, and vision that make him an effective running back even though he was primarily used as a slot receiver at Memphis. Gibson was one criterion away — burst score — from being a full QIB qualifier. However, he was close enough that he should still be in the conversation as a potential running back option on the Lions’ draft board.

Utah’s Zack Moss was not in the poll but had quite a few comments within the post. He is a player to keep your eye on, considering the Lions have had multiple meetings with Moss and could be an option for them in the third or fourth round.

Keep your eyes open for future questions. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any questions you’d like to see answered, send a message, or leave a comment with your question. Thank you to all Lions fans and the #OnePride nation.