The Detroit Lions released veteran RB Theo Riddick on Saturday in order to make room for new standout DT Mike Daniels.
There is some shock value to dumping Riddick, but he was the most logical candidate to move for GM Bob Quinn. He’s a third-string RB who made too much money and didn’t contribute much on special teams. Riddick was a good player but not an irreplaceable one. And the Lions already have his replacement on the roster.
The fifth-round selection of Maryland RB Ty Johnson appears a lot more prescient now. While he and Riddick are different styles of players, the transformation of the Lions offense from Jim Bob Cooter’s system to new coordinator Darrell Bevell’s more run-heavy scheme might actually suit the speedy rookie better than it does Riddick. As straight running backs, Johnson brings more power, decisiveness and speed to the corner. Those are qualities Bevell has valued in his previous stops in Seattle and Minnesota more than an elusive, receiving-oriented back like Riddick.
Both RBs got RB reps with the third-team offense in Friday’s practice. Riddick did get a series of second-team reps in a 7-on-7 red zone drill, but while he was doing that Johnson was getting first-team reps in a punt return drill. Johnson’s superior speed and return-man potential should overcome the loss in the third-down passing offense with Riddick’s departure.
It’s the special teams potential where I see the bigger shift to Johnson. The return jobs are wide open, and the speedy Johnson was a dynamic one for Maryland in college. Riddick got exactly one kick return attempt in six seasons and didn’t play on coverage units. Between that and the cost difference, it’s an obvious decision to move to Johnson.
