Where the Roster Stands: Running Back

by Sean Yuille on Apr 15, 2010 2:55 AM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Returning from last season: Kevin Smith (if he's healthy), Maurice Morris, Aaron Brown, Cedric Peerman

New to the team: DeDe Dorsey (signed with the Lions in February after playing in the UFL in 2009)

When Kevin Smith went down with a nasty knee injury against the Ravens last December, the Lions' running back situation went from being pretty solid to completely up in the air heading into 2010. Smith, despite having to play through shoulder problems, was performing quite well before his season-ending injury and was really one of the bright spots on this team in my mind. Then he got injured and left us all wondering what will happen with the running back position in 2010.

As it stands right now, the Lions have pretty good depth at running back. Aaron Brown can come into games as a change of pace player and should continue to get better. Maurice Morris is a solid backup who did a pretty decent job of filling in for Smith in the final games of last season. And then you have Cedric Peerman and the newcomer DeDe Dorsey. Both players have potential and will compete for a spot on the active roster this summer.

The main problem for the Lions is that if Kevin Smith is not able to return from his ACL injury in time for the start of next season, there really isn't a starting-caliber back on the roster. I suppose Maurice Morris could fill in for Smith for a few games and the Lions would just have to deal with it, but I think most would agree that it would be nice to have a backup plan that extends beyond Morris.

Probably only the Lions and Smith really know where he's at in the recovery process right now, meaning what happens in the draft could potentially reveal a lot about his injury. The thing is, even if Smith does return in time for the start of the season and is healthy, there's no guarantee that he will be effective. Obviously the best-case scenario would be for Smith to come back sometime during training camp and pick up where he left off before his injury, but it takes time to build up strength after tearing an ACL. Some players take a year to truly get back to where they once were, so there's no guarantee that a healthy Kevin Smith is the same thing as an effective Kevin Smith.

Need going forward?

The general consensus among all of us Lions fans seems to be that the team needs to draft a starting-caliber running back just in case Smith isn't healthy or effective come September. Even if he is healthy, bringing aboard another running back that is capable of starting wouldn't be a bad thing at all. If the Lions could draft a player to complement a healthy Kevin Smith, then the running back position could become one of the strongest units on the entire team.

Like I already said, we should learn a lot about where Kevin Smith is at in the recovery process based on what happens in the draft. If the Lions do make a move to pick up a running back, it would reveal that Smith's status is still uncertain. If Detroit doesn't, however, then it would be safe to say that the Lions are comfortable with the running back position and that Smith will be back in time for the 2010 season. It's either that or Martin Mayhew has a different plan that will be executed after the draft, sort of similar to the move to sign Larry Foote last year. We were all wondering what the Lions were thinking when they passed on certain players that would have filled the need at middle linebacker, but Mayhew and company seemed to know that Foote would become available. I wouldn't be surprised if something similar played out this year at running back if the Lions decide not to select a back in the draft.

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Even if Smith is healthy and ready to go at the start of the 2010 season...

I Still see us taking a RB in the first 3 rounds. Schwartz was very open last year about being disappointed with the running game, and the lack of HOMERUN ability. Regardless of whether or not KSmooth starts the season on the 53 man roster or the PUP list, we need a BIG play back. (how long was KSmiths longest run last year 20-30 yards if I remember correctly?)

by j16941 on Apr 15, 2010 5:14 AM EDT reply actions

I agree, go RB

If Suh is going to be our 1st round pick, then for sure I say RB in round two. Suh makes the whole defense better and swallowing the "hold off on CB until later" pill a little easier to swallow. Picking up a good RB, the Lions are covered either way regardless of Smith’s health.

Lions fan down in LA (lower Alabama)

by FusterMT on Apr 15, 2010 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Was it the RB's that sucked or was it that horrible O-line

And then you throw on the injury bug to the O-line and it just got worse. I’m not saying it was totally the lines fault but I still think it was 80% the lines fault, defence’s dictated to us what we were going to do with shitty field position and being behind all the time. I wouldn’t mind seeing us get a back but not at #34, make that pick later in the draft (gerhart) non of the “top” RB’s are all that impressive, you can find at least 1 flaw in every one of there games. To me it’s a buyer beware tag on everyone of them.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Apr 15, 2010 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Theres a rumor that the Skins want to trade Albert Haynesworth & Clinton Portis

I mean i know Clinton Portis is a bit rusty but so were all the backs since the beginning of the FA, guys like LT, Thomas Jones, Willie Parker,etc, I dont remember the site bc i saw the rumor about 10 days ago, saying something about if the Lions wanted Haynesworth and didnt want to repay the Redskins that $21 Million that the skins just paid Haynesworth, the Lions would have another way to help pay the skins for Haynesworth by signing Clinton Portis’s remaining contract of $7 Million, which would be a great deal considering they would get a pro bowler DT for only $9 Million, and they would get a great upgrade at RB with Clinton Portis, which that mean the Lions would get a DT & RB for only $16 Million versus paying DT Suh $40 Million (guarenteed), and paying a guy like Ryan Mathews or Javid Best at like $30 Million(guarenteed)
Its a tough choice, Im a fan of both Albert Haynesworth & Suh, but to get two star players both top needs (RB &DT) at a lower price, then we can go after OL,Safety, CB and other needs! And if we get Adam Jones & Lito Sheppard then we dont have as much stress if the CB we pick in the high rounds is going to be a bust or not! but with those 4 FAs on our team they wont be calling us kitty kats anymore!!

by IceLion3030 on Apr 15, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

toby gerhart

He could fill in for kev and be a solid everydown guy when called upon

Louis Delmas is gonna lay the MAC down on your candyass.
God Help Me I love this stuff !..(HBK describing DX)

by The Profiler on Apr 15, 2010 5:43 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

+ 1

I’ve been calling that move all Spring. Make it happen ! Smartest player in the draft and will be an offensive version of Zack Follett. Kick some ass !

" I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this. " " What are you doin' here? You oughta be out in a convertible bird-doggin' chicks and bangin' beaver. " " Medication time. Medication time. " ( One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - 1975 )

by Keevatron on Apr 15, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

In a lot of mocks I see Mathews sliding to round two.

That would be freaking awesome, and I think if Mathews is there we have to take him. Spiller usually goes to Seattle, Buffalo, or San Francisco and Best either goes to San Diego or is still there. But I would much rather have Mathews, the top rated every down back in the draft than have Best who is the second rated change of pace back behind Spiller. Mathews could be our workhorse RB for the next little while and if Kevin don’t make it back we have our bases covered. If he does we have to decide on him or Mo. IMO Aaron Brown is showing a lot of promise as a change of pace, 3rd down, slot receiver back and should have a longer career due to not taking so many hits if we limit his touches. If no Mathews I want them to go BPA in round two.

by Evilsmurf on Apr 15, 2010 6:15 AM EDT reply actions

I'm cool with BPA at 34

Whether that means a RB like Ryan Mathews or Jahvid Best, a DE like Everson Griffen, a CB like Devin McCourty, etc. Considering the success the Lions had in last years draft, I trust that they’ll draft a contributor at 34 overall, regardless of who that player is.

by BriansLions on Apr 15, 2010 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Now thats a NO_BRIANer there!

I agree 100% bro.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Apr 15, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL

For sure, dude. I, like most everyone else, was skeptical when they drafted Pettigrew last year (personally, I wanted Percy Harvin at #20). But when you consider how valuable an all-around Tight End is to Linehan’s offense, it starts to make a lot more sense (that being said, for a 1st round selection I do expect Pettigrew to blossom into a Pro-Bowler at some point).

They’ll definitely draft some players that will cause us fans to curse, but after last year I believe that Mayhew deserves the benefit of the doubt. From an outsiders perspective, they really seem to have this ship heading in the right direction.

by BriansLions on Apr 15, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Aaron Brown

The only reason im a little hesitant to draft a RB in the first three rounds is its effect on Aaron Brown. Lets say we do draft Mathews, where does that leave Brown? as the fourth string back? Aaron Brown is showing a lot of promise and he needs to get more reps this season so he can develop and grow. And the Lions would have to get rid of Maurice Morris for that to happen if they draft a RB even if K. Smith is healthy.

Lived In Minnesota (born) for 7 years. Lived in Detroit for 6 years. I hate the Vikings. Nuff said.

by Twincities88 on Apr 15, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Interesting...

It really depends on what TYPE of RB they potentially draft. A smaller, home-run type threat like Jahvid Best would essentially take any potential snaps away from Aaron Brown, whereas a more well-rounded RB like Ryan Mathews or Anthony Dixon could be utilized as an every-down back, with Brown still having opportunities as a change of pace.

In my opinion, Aaron Brown has flashed some potential in pre-season games, but couldn’t handle the playbook in his rookie year. He’s an intriguing player, but if I were Mayhew and honestly thought that Jahvid Best could be a game-breaker, I wouldn’t let the fact that I already have Aaron Brown on my roster deter me from selecting Best.

by BriansLions on Apr 15, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

my only question is....

i’ve heard alot about browns supposed lack of football intelligence…….now im just curious as to what that means specifically……does he have a learning disability to where he cant learn, or does he just not know much right now and he is learning? if anybody has any knowledge at all to the extent of his problems i would like to know plz……im just curious…….if he cant learn, then we move on….

by Rigormortis on Apr 15, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Very True BriansLions

Lived In Minnesota (born) for 7 years. Lived in Detroit for 6 years. I hate the Vikings. Nuff said.

by Twincities88 on Apr 15, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Another Jones

I’m afraid this looks like a Kevin Jones situation. Team thought they had an answer at running back and boom injury happens and he was never the same again. Hope this is not the case with Smith. I would love to get Lynch from Buffalo for a pick in next year’s draft.

by jeremy j on Apr 15, 2010 6:17 AM EDT reply actions

Pretty much how I view Smith.

I have no faith that he’ll come back even as good as he was. We need a fresh start at RB.

I hate the Ravens by the way.

"Take it off the rack, if it's wack, put it back. I like the Whopper, fuck the Big Mac." - Rob Base, It Takes Two, 1988

by Skylar on Apr 15, 2010 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm a fan of Kevin Smith

I feel like he was much better than Kevin Jones. We’ll see how he continues on, but I am pulling for him. I like him as a RB when healthy and on top of his game.

GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!

by Twon82 on Apr 15, 2010 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

shit

i was a kevin jones fan too……

by Rigormortis on Apr 15, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm still thinking that a RB will be chosen anywhere between the 1st (if trade down) and 4th

We’ll just have to see who we come out with. It’s an unfortunate situation for K-Smooth since his injury is going to be hard to come back from.

"Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind." - Pride Leader, Sean Yuille, wielder of the Ban Hammer.
2010 Wests Tigers : Current record - 4-1 : Current Position - 3rd : Last game - Defeated North Queensland Cowboys 23-16

by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 15, 2010 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

In my humble opinion ..we HAVE to aquire a impact player at tail back

When you look at the winning teams they do a few things right…..they can run the ball….stop the run…..stay in reasonable down and distances situations….Keep YOU in long down and distance situations….and this generally effects turn over ratio…..What i mean is…..Stafford threw 20 interceptions last year …..14 of them came when the lions where behind…so this leads you to believe it isn’t him GIVING the game away…it is him having it all on his shoulders. (remember what happen to McNabb) ….IN addtion alot of these interceptions came in long yardage situations. So what i am saying is….put the lion offence in more 2nd and shorts….more 3rd and manageable down and distance situations and you will see Stafford GREATLY improve. And the key to that improvement is being able to run the ball….something that even with a healthy Kevin Smith the Lions could do little of.

2ndly we tend to break players down into these catogories…and we say “3rd down back….power back….scat back”….and we make preferences on what we need as a team based on these commonly used football terms. Well i have one for ya…and that is “playmaker” Regardless of what “TYPE” of runners we have on the roster….non are play makers…none are players that can make a play and change field position. At the moment it all rest on Stafford…if he doesn’t make the play then the play isn’t made. And this my friends is what HAS to change.

Javhid best is reallly the best back in the draft prior to his injury…..So if he is picked the only risk is will his head and neck injuries in his past hurt him as a pro. Toby Gerhart looks like a solid player…but would he even be more productive than Morris?…he maybe a good short yardage runner. But the lions need play making punch from that position in order for the quarterback to develop. Look at Vince Young…all of a sudden he looks like he knows how to play football now that he plays with Chris Johnson…look at Chad Henne he looks like he may shape into a great quarterback (with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown easing the pressure.)

So in my humble opinion i say if you cant get Ryan Matthews or Javhid best then we are in need of a trade to maybe washington?

ACL injury history is bleak guys…it usually takes 2 seasons to recover fully. One season would be a miracle…..which leaves us……well….up the river. If it is decided the Best is healthy then i would go with him…..Draft talk about him reminds me of Chris Johnson when he came out …..this is a quote form Chris Johnsons draft profile……. “Although, he is undersized, lacks height and needs to add strength to be a big contender in the next level. He gives next to nothing inside and needs to show more while blocking and stop running from contact. Durability is a concern at the next level” ….here is the link >>> http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=1326

So i am not saying Javhid Best is gonna be the next Chris Johnson…i am just saying that alot of the samethings where said about him. Just like teams got scared off of drafting Terrel Davis because of a “hamstring injury in college”..which if you read the story you will find out something totally different.

so IMHO Ryan Matthew …then Best

by Shankdiddy on Apr 15, 2010 7:56 PM EDT reply actions