Detroit Lions: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

1. Kerryon Johnson, RB (Auburn)

Even with the aforementioned addition of veteran running back LeGarrette Blount, the Detroit Lions were determined to reshape the NFL’s worst ground attack in 2017. And is it possible that the club found quite the answer in Auburn University’s Kerryon Johnson? Heed the words of NFL.com Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein in regards to a player the Lions took with the 43rd overall selection in late April:

"Has unusual build for the position with a linear frame and thin hips. Johnson proved that he was more than tough enough to carry a heavy workload to help Auburn impose their will on the ground. Johnson runs with good burst and is adept as both an inside and outside runner, but is more likely to become a grinder than a slasher on the next level. Johnson offers three-down value and could become an early starter, but his frame may not be able to hold up over the long haul if he’s forced into high carry totals."

For what it’s worth, Johnson comes off a season in which he ran for 1,391 yards and 18 scores in 12 games with the Tigers. In 2017, the Detroit Lions ran for an NFL-low 1,221 yards and 10 touchdowns as a team.

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It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Johnson open the season as the starter in the backfield. How long he stays there is another story. But the young prospect brings fresh legs to a ground attack looking to snap out of its recent funk.