After going defense for the majority of the draft, the Lions went back to back offense in the sixth round, this time drafting Maryland running back Ty Johnson to add to the running back corps.
The Lions are pretty much set at running back with the emergence of Kerryon Johnson last year, signed veteran C.J Anderson, brought back Zach Zenner, and multi-tooled weapon Theo Riddick. The only kicker is Anderson and Zenner were only brought in one-year deals and looks like the Lions are preparing for the future by bringing in Johnson.
Johnson is a tough runner who averaged 7.7 yards per carry and 4.35 yards after contact in an injury-shortened season last year. He will bring a strong special teams presence, something the Lions are looking for in late round prospects, either be covering or returning. Even though he was a “starter” for three seasons, his legs are still fresh only carrying the ball 282 times in 34 games.
He can be an effective runner, but he hasn’t shown a strong presence in the receiving game limiting his ability on third downs and pass blocking situations. Sometimes he studders too much in the backfield and not attack the holes he should suppose to.
This late in the draft you are hoping for players who could carve out a role and probably start off on special teams and that is exactly what Johnson is going to do. He will sit behind Johnson and Anderson and learn for them while logging in special team snaps.
