Tag: Kerryon Johnson

Lions Mailbag: Rookie roles and available free agents

Lions Mailbag: Rookie roles and available free agents

The Detroit Lions have had an eventful offseason.

Free agency and the draft are over, which leaves us all speculating over what the roster will look like come September.

Lions fans submitted their questions about roles rookies will hold, depth chart predictions, and available free agents. Here’s what I had to say:

“Can Huntley and Ty Johnson both stick on the Lions? Who will go if they both do? Or could either one of them survive to be put on the practice squad without being picked up?” -@SFHCommish_1

The Lions’ front office will have a lot of tough choices to make when it comes to the running back position.

2020 fifth-round pick Jason Huntley is in direct competition with Ty Johnson, who was selected in the sixth round last year. Both are speedy options in the backfield, capable receivers, and dynamic kick returners.

Both are young players with plenty of upside and athletic ability, so it’s likely, but not certain, that Detroit opts to keep both on the active roster. What would that mean for the other running backs on the team?

Detroit generally decides to run with four running backs on their active roster, and Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift appear to have the top two running back spots locked down. That would most likely leave Huntley and Ty Johnson to fight it out for one of those spots, while Bo Scarborough and Wes Hills duke it out for the backup power running back role.

If the Lions waive either Huntley or Johnson, I can’t say with full certainty that either will clear waivers, but generally, most players that are let go at the deadline for roster cutdowns don’t get picked up from the waiver wire. If they make it through, expect them back on the practice squad.

”I’m wondering how you think the Lions backfield will operate this season?  Do you see Swift coming in and taking over as the lead back?” -@TheFootballPot

I see the 2020 season opening up with Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift sharing snaps evenly, and hopefully pairing well as a tandem. The Lions have favored the committee approach to their backfield, so these two players will both get their fair share of snaps.

As I stated in my previous answer, it is safe to say that the Lions will operate with four running backs on their roster. We know that Johnson and Swift have pretty defined roles as of now, but I can see Swift overtaking Johnson on the depth chart mid-season.

While Johnson has played fairly well for the Lions in his first two seasons, injuries have kept him sidelined for a good fraction of his career. Swift, who has stayed relatively healthy throughout college, could prove to be the more reliable option.

Johnson was also drafted to fit the scheme of former offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, while Swift was drafted with Darrell Bevell’s gameplan in mind. This could lead to Swift taking that lead spot away from Johnson quickly.

The remaining competitions, as stated earlier, will be Ty Johnson versus Jason Huntley for the speedy receiving option and Bo Scarborough versus Wes Hills for the power and goal-line option.

“What potential DL FA’s could the Lions potentially target to bolster the line, if any are better than what’s on the roster?” -@IGRifffinsports

The Lions’ interior defensive line seems set with Danny Shelton at nose tackle and Da’Shawn Hand playing the three-technique role. Behind them is Nick Williams, who will serve as a rotational lineman.

Behind them, it’s an open competition for the final spots. The Lions did just draft two interior linemen, John Penisini and Jashon Cornell, and have several other young players in Olive Sagapolu, Kevin Strong, John Atkins, and Frank Herron to consider.

If they decide to find an experienced free agent, the best player available at the position is Mike Daniels, who played for the Lions last season. Daniels would be an instant upgrade over any of the aforementioned players in the hunt for a roster spot, and he knows the defensive system already. Especially now, when many teams will go into the season with less time for team activities, an experienced player who knows the scheme is a luxury.

Other than Daniels, the defensive tackle market is pretty bare. Still on the market are Marcel Darius, Damion Square, Domata Peko, and Corey Liuget.

“It’s the first defensive snap of the season. Is Okudah lining up across from Allen Robinson?” -@DunnGuitar

You don’t draft a player with the third overall pick unless you plan to use them immediately.

That being said, the Lions have not seen what Jeffrey Okudah can do at a professional level. So when it comes time to cover a dominant receiver like Allen Robinson, Detroit’s coaching staff might want to use a more experienced and proven player like Desmond Trufant.

Obviously, things can change over the course of a season, but Okudah is a rookie in a position where players often struggle in their first year. He’ll be a definite starter, but won’t be shadowing any team’s top receiver in his first few games.

”Jonah Jackson has a lot of praise but at the surface his draft measurable strong are similar to last year’s UDFA Benzschawel. What’s the difference between the two and why is Jonah viewed as a possible starter over Beau?” -@TheRealShobear

The biggest difference between the two players is that the Detroit Lions organization valued one as a third-round pick just a season after signing the other as an undrafted free agent.

Benzschawel has the size advantage over Jackson and had better Combine numbers in several events, but on tape, Jackson appears to be the superior player.

The Lions liked Benzschawel to keep him around on the active roster for the entirety of the 2019 season, but his snap counts during the season prove that the team is not ready for him to hold a starting role. He only was active for two games throughout a season riddled with interior offensive line injuries, and only played two snaps on special teams.

Jackson seems to be the clear starter at right guard, and Joe Dahl holds the left guard role for now. Benzschawel could fight for that spot, but he’d be in competition with fourth-round pick Logan Stenberg, as well as veteran former starters Kenny Wiggins, Russell Bodine, Joshua Garnett, and Oday Aboushi. I’d put my money on any of those players earning the starting role over Benzschawel.

Fantasy football’s winners and losers from the 2020 NFL Draft

A few veteran running backs may be in major trouble.

The 2020 NFL draft shifted the dynamics for fantasy football in the coming season.

It appears a number of teams are resorting to committees at running back, which should make the position just as complicated as ever for consistent production. Gone are the days when we can trust Lions running back Kerryon Johnson and Colts running back Marlon Mack.

Meanwhile, most teams have also made sure they have at least three receivers of starting caliber. That could complicate the value the second and third receiver on a team’s depth chart, because it will be hard to determine which players will boast the best production over a season (and a week). The Cowboys are the best example, with receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and the 2020 17th-overall pick, CeeDee Lamb.

Let’s dive into the winners and losers in fantasy football from the draft.

Winner: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

No rookie landed in a better spot. Andy Reid believes Edwards-Helaire is the second coming of Brian Westbrook — but better. At least, that’s what ESPN analysts said on the draft broadcast. That means we can expect major production and volume from Edwards-Helaire in both the passing and running game. He will sneak into the second round of drafts this year.

Loser: Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions

His first season in the NFL was an impressive one, even if he only played 10 games. He looked like he could be a feature back in Detroit’s offense as a runner and pass-catcher. But he got hurt again in 2019, and it seems the Lions are intent upon decreasing Johnson’s workload after they drafted former Georgia running back D’Andre Swift at 35th overall, the second running back off the board. No player lost more ground in fantasy than Johnson during the NFL draft.

Winner: Henry Ruggs, WR, Raiders

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Ruggs’ situation in Las Vegas is almost as good as Helaire-Edwards’ in Kansas City. Ruggs joins an offense that badly needs talent at receiver alongside veteran Tyrell Williams, who put up WR2 numbers when he was the top option in the passing offense. The Raiders’ incoming class of rookies includes three receivers. Still Ruggs is the top of the whole 2020 class of wideouts, at 12th overall, and he should get major volume in Las Vegas.

Loser: Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys

Dallas had little intention of drafting a receiver in the first round, but one of the draft’s finest prospects — who just so happened to play receiver — fell to the Cowboys at 17th overall. In an impressive draft class, they landed CeeDee Lamb, which may have pushed Gallup to third on the depth chart after his breakout season (66 catches, 1,107 yards, 6TDs). Maybe Dak Prescott and the Cowboys can support three fantasy-relevant receivers. But the Lamb selection didn’t help Gallup.

Winner: Cam Akers, RB, Rams

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Serving as the lead back for the Rams worked out for Todd Gurley. Now that Gurley is in Atlanta, Akers is in line to take over every down at running back in L.A.’s offense. Even if he’s in a timeshare, his production should be impressive and, so long as he’s not a bust, he should be fantasy relevant. It’s always a good thing for an offensive player to land with Sean McVay, who makes the most of talent.

Loser: Darrell Henderson, RB, Rams

Well, OK. So I did the whole: McVay-can-get-the-most-out-of-anyone routine right before I brought up Henderson. He had a very rough rookie season after going in the third round out of the 2019 draft. He seemed like he was in line to be RB1 in the post-Gurley era. Not anymore. Not after the team added Akers, a back with clear three-down potential.

Winner: Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings

Norm Hall/Getty Images

With Stefon Diggs leaving, Jefferson is a natural fit in the slot for Minnesota. Jefferson is a pro-ready prospect with NFL speed and production. Maybe he’s not the most talented prospect in this draft class, but he’s likely to have the most production among rookie receivers.

Loser: Devin Singletary, RB, Bills

The arrival of Zack Moss, a power back who could take over some early-down and redzone work in Buffalo, is bad news for Singletary. I still think he’ll get solid work, particularly after his impressive finish to the 2019 season. It’s just a little concerning for Singletary that the Bills were so willing to add talent at the position in the third round.

Loser: Darren Waller, TE, Raiders

Quinn Harris/Getty Images

As mentioned, Las Vegas added three receivers in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. Maybe Waller didn’t get competition at his position, but he’s probably not going to get as many targets.

Loser: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos

He was the second receiver off the board, but he landed in an offense with quarterback Drew Lock. I’m not exactly a believer in the young signal-caller’s talents. (Neither is For The Win’s Steven Ruiz.) What’s more, Lock will have mouths to feed: Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Jeudy and 2020 second-round pick, K.J. Hamler.

Winner: Adam Trautman, TE, Saints

JVasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans treats their tight ends well, though Trautman, a 2020 third-rounder, clearly needs to develop before he’ll contribute — which is common for most tight ends, particularly for one coming from a low level of competition at Dayton. But Trautman could ascend to the top tight ends spot in the Saints’ offense, which is a good spot for a fantasy producer.

Loser: Marlon Mack, RB, Colts

The arrival of Jonathan Taylor, a 2020 second-round pick out of Wisconsin, could quickly spell the end of Mack’s surprisingly impressive run as Indianapolis’ feature back. With almost 2,000 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns over the last two years, Mack seemed like a good bet to be another strong fantasy performer in 2020. But with Williams in the mix, Mack’s standing is in trouble.

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D’Andre Swift selection shows Lions’ shifting priorities away from the ‘Patriot Way’

D’Andre Swift selection shows Lions’ shifting priorities away from the ‘Patriot Way’

D’Andre Swift to the Detroit Lions at No. 35 overall was one of the biggest surprises of the 2020 NFL Draft. Few expected the Lions to take a running back so high in the draft with so many other glaring needs, and Swift was never linked to the team in meetings or virtual workouts.

It’s an interesting choice. Selecting Swift instead of addressing the anemic pass rush, the absence of a single wide receiver under contract beyond 2020 and significant holes in the defensive interior depth chart, the Lions rolled with the Georgia running back. It’s a sign that the Lions are zagging where everyone else zigs.

Drafting any running back so early instead of pass rush help, defensive line and wide receiver is a direct slap to the modern football analytical movement. It also defies what the Lions own experience running the ball lately has been; Bo Scarbrough walked in off the street and produced well (4.2 YPC) at the end of last season without the threat of the forward pass once Matthew Stafford was injured.

It’s also a sign that the Bob Quinn/Matt Patricia regime is further breaking away from the “Patriot Way”. New England has been a below-average running team for years, by design. They knew wins and losses came from being able to successfully throw the ball and playing to Tom Brady’s strengths. New England’s deemphasis on the running back position was obvious. The Patriots drafted just one single RB (James White, 4th round, 2014) between 2011 and 2018.

They rectified that with Sony Michel, Swift’s Georgia teammate, in the first round of the 2018 draft. He’s been less-effective than Detroit’s Kerryon Johnson, taken 12 spots later in the draft. Johnson has a higher yards-per-carry average (4.5 to 4.0) and caught more than double the passes (42 to 19) than Michel when he’s been able to stay on the field.

Meanwhile the Lions continue to pile up running back draft picks. Kerryon Johnson in 2018, Ty Johnson last year, now Swift. Scarbrough remains available. Ty Johnson was effective as a rookie (4.3 YPC, 24 receptions on 30 targets) in the old Theo Riddick role of perimeter scatback and receiver out of the backfield.

Swift leaps to the top of the heap. He’s a very talented all-around back. But putting so much emphasis on running the ball and having premium RBs is drifting even further away from what the Patriots have done. Matt Patricia is getting his own stamp, and it looks a whole lot more like Bill Parcells than Belichick. However, Parcells loved his pass rushers too, and that’s where Quinn and Patricia are really diverging from the Patriot Way and, frankly, the way almost every other team in the last decade has approached playing defense.

Ground and pound and the coverage sack. That’s the identity of the Matt Patricia Detroit Lions. It’s an interesting idea. Instead of fighting fire with water, the Lions have chosen the old salt route to try and capture the power of the flame. If it works, Patricia and Quinn will be lauded. If it doesn’t, their Lions house gets burned to the ashes next January.

How does D’Andre Swift impact Detroit’s running back rotation?

Examining how second-round pick running back D’Andre Swift impacts the Detroit Lions’ running back rotation.

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The Detroit Lions surprised many by selecting Georgia running back D’Andre Swift with the 35th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Swift was widely considered to be the top running back in the draft and mocked plenty of times in the first round, but fell to the Lions in the second.

Now in Detroit, Swift joins a crowded running back depth chart. Currently, the Lions are housing Kerryon Johnson, Ty Johnson, Bo Scarborough, Tra Carson, Wes Hills, and fullback Nick Bawden.

So what will Swift’s role be?

Swift is not, and has never been, a workhorse running back, meaning that the Lions will likely continue to take a committee approach with their running backs group with Kerryon Johnson and Swift splitting their carries evenly.

Despite his small frame, Swift runs with a lot of power and could complement Johnson nicely. He also is a strong receiver, and that skill set will help him earn some extra reps on offense. Swift may now be the strongest pass protector of the group as well. All of these skills could propel him to surpass Johnson later in the season, but they will likely share the starting role in Week 1.

The Lions generally carry four running backs and a fullback, so the remaining four players at the position will be fighting for two spots.

Ty Johnson will most likely get the nod as the Lions’ third-string running back, as he brings some more unique skills to the group. He is by far the fastest running back in the rotation and can also contribute as a return man on special teams. Scarborough, Carson, and Hills are all bigger-bodied running backs who can be an extra goal-line and short-yardage option in Detroit.

#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.

Who have been the last 10 players drafted 43rd overall?

When considering the previous players that have been taken at 43rd overall, it’s a bit of a mixed bag in terms of impact.

The Chicago Bears are without a first-round pick for the second straight season, so their first pick will come at No. 43 in the second round.

When considering the previous players that have been taken at 43rd overall, it’s a bit of a mixed bag in terms of impact.

Let’s take a look at the last 10 picks at No. 43.

2019: LB Jahlani Tavai, Lions

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Tavai has only been in the NFL for one season so it’s difficult to judge the pick, but he showed promise in his NFL debut. In his rookie season, Tavai appeared in 15 games, where he logged 58 combined tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed and one interception.

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Lions barely ran the ball on 3rd down in 2019

On the bright side, the Lions were better than the league average on 3rd downs

There is a perception out there among Detroit Lions fans that the team never ran the ball on third downs in 2019. While that’s not technically true, the data backs up the belief that the Lions ran the ball on the critical third down less than almost every other team.

Only the Washington Redskins ran on a fewer percentage of third-down plays in 2019. Washington also had fewer total third downs on offense, so the Lions finished 31st in both run attempts on third down (30) and percentage of third-down runs (13.6).

Chart courtesy of NFL Inside Edge

Interestingly, the Lions were pretty good overall on third downs. Detroit ranked 14th in the NFL in converting at 40.9 percent. Bo Scarbrough picked up the first down on four of his five third-down carries. Kerryon Johnson converted 4-for-7, while J.D. McKissic was 2-for-4.

Given the QB issues after Matthew Stafford went down, the Lions probably should have run more often on third downs.

Bo Scarbrough may have found stability in Detroit

Former Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough has had a rough time finding any stability in the NFL. After being drafted in the final round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, he was placed on the practice squad, then waived, then picked up by …

Former Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough has had a rough time finding any stability in the NFL.

After being drafted in the final round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, he was placed on the practice squad, then waived, then picked up by the Seahawks and then released again.

When Detroit picked up the back who just wanted a chance, no one knew what to expect as they have former Auburn star Kerryon Johnson leading the backfield.

With K. Johnson out with an injured knee, he was given the opportunity to show what he can do.

And he made the most of it.

In five games played with the Lions in 2019, Scarbrough had 80 carries for 335 yards and a lone touchdown.

While the numbers may not be spectacular, it shows that Detroit trusts the potential within the Crimson Tide product.

He could even be a great complement to K. Johnson – Note: I said complement, not back up.

“I thought both of them ran well,” Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. “It was really great to see Kerryon back out there. He fought hard to be able to return for us. It was good to see him, had some nice runs for us. I think it’s good for him and good for the future, as well as having Bo.”

Scarbrough may not be the starting running back for the team heading into 2020, but he now knows that he has a team that wants him, respects his talents and plans to utilize him in all the right ways.

He looks to enter and finish the 2020 season with the same team, which would be the first time he’s done this in what would then be his third season in the NFL.

There is a lot in-store for Scarbrough, but only time will tell how successful of a running back he will be in the Lions’ system.

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Lions officially eliminated from playoff contention on Thanksgiving

It marks the third-straight season the Lions will be at home during the postseason.

After their 24-20 loss to the Bears on Thanksgiving, the Lions fell to 3-8-1 on the season and have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

It was Detroit’s fifth-straight loss and eighth loss in nine games.

It has to be incredibly disappointing for Lions fans. This is a team that started off 2-0-1 and lost its next two games by a combined five points to the Chiefs and Packers, respectively.

This marks the third-straight season the Lions will have missed the postseason and second-straight under coach Matt Patricia.

There will be plenty of questions surrounding Patricia’s future this offseason.

Detroit has some pieces, especially offensively with Matt Stafford, Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Kerryon Johnson, but both Stafford and Johnson missed games down the stretch.

With another top-10 draft pick, we’ll see if Detroit can add a piece that puts this team in position for the playoffs in 2020.

The Lions close out the season against the Vikings, Buccanneers, Broncos and Packers.