While the focus on the Detroit Lions this offseason has been the loss of Ndamukong Suh, there is certainly plenty of intrigue on offense as well. Detroit cut ties with Reggie Bush, which was a wise decision. Bush missed five games last season and was hurt even when he was active, so saving nearly $2 million by cutting him shouldn't have left them hesitating.
His role as Detroit's pass-catching back will be filled by Theo Riddick, the 23-year-old back out of Notre Dame was impressive in his second season with an expanded role. While he only finished with 20 carries for a mere 51 yards, Riddick's break and butter came as a receiver out of the backfield with 34 receptions, 316 yards and four touchdowns. He saw 195 snaps last season including the Wild Card game and will see his role expanded this year. Given Detroit's passion for throwing the ball around, he should receive plenty of snaps and targets next season.
Naturally, Detroit has to run the ball and Riddick can't be relied upon to run it between the tackles. That role as of now is rested on the shoulders of Joique Bell, who finished last season with career-highs in carries (223), rushing yards (860) and finished the season with 1,182 total yards. While Bell finished 36th in yards per carry (3.9) last season, he finished 11th in yards after contact per carry from Pro Football Focus.
Unfortunately for Detroit, Bell is coming off knee, ankle and Achilles injuries this past season and had an undisclosed surgery in January. He will be turning 29 in August, nearing the age when the careers of running backs starts coming to a screeching halt. Even if he can stay healthy next season, Detroit needs a playmaker in the running game and fresh legs to spell Bell when he needs rest or is hurt.
So the attention turns toward the 2015 NFL Draft and the Lions couldn't pick a better time to address the running back position. While Detroit could explore using its first round pick on Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon, it's more reasonable for the team to address the position last year. That still leaves day-two options like Tevin Coleman, Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson or David Cobb.
Whenever the Lions address the running back position, it's a near guarantee a rookie will be a key contributor behind the Lions' running game next season. A three-headed attack of Bell, Riddick and a rookie running back should bring more balance to the offense and a more effective running game.