Tuesday open thread: Should the Lions draft a running back after signing C.J. Anderson?

The Detroit Lions filled one of their bigger roster holes this week, reportedly agreeing to terms with former Rams and Broncos running back C.J. Anderson. The veteran rusher should come in and immediately compete for the backup job behind Kerryon Johnson.

But Anderson signed to just a one-year deal, and there is no guarantee, at 28 years old, that Anderson will impress enough to earn a second contract in Detroit. The Lions tried a similar free agency with LeGarrette Blount last offseason, and we all know how that worked out.

So today’s Question of the Day (submitted by @C_Robbins_ during our Twitch stream) is:

Should the Detroit Lions still draft a running back after signing C.J. Anderson to a one-year deal?

My answer: Yes, but with a caveat. Given this draft class and the Lions’ current needs, I don’t think Detroit should be drafting a running back in the first four rounds. Obviously, the Lions should still be looking for a long-term option at backup, should the opportunity arise, but Detroit needs to spend their draft capital in more pressing areas at the moment.

All that being said, once you get to the fifth round, you’re drafting the player, not the position. Just about everything is a lottery ticket at this point in the draft, so if there’s a running back the Lions think has potential in the last day of the draft, I have no problem with them using a pick or even two on the backfield.

Your turn.