Detroit Lions: Options at Running Back

The Detroit Lions are looking for a running back this year. Will it be dealt with in the draft or in free agency? It's uncertain what kind of running back they're looking for. Former third round pick Kevin Smiths future is undecided. Smith will be under the knife this  off-season with knee and shoulder surgeries. Don't plan on Kevin Smith back until the middle of the season. The free agent market is a great option in finding veteran backs.

The Detroit lions say they might bring in more running backs to camp this year. Two possibilities are Pro Bowl running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Willis McGahee. Both backs would be a hefty upgrade from DeDe Dorsey.

If the Lions do pick up a back, they will likely have to give up a high draft choice. Running backs like Ronnie Brown (Miami), Mike Bell (New Orleans), Jerome Harrison (Cleveland), Darren Sproles (San Diego), LenDale White (Tennessee) and Jerious Norwood (Atlanta) are players that could help the Lions. They will be restricted free agents, not unrestricted free agents, making them harder to pursue.

While Detroit is looking to rebuild the team, they're uncertain whether they'd like to bring in a veteran back with a history of injuries. On that notion, running backs like McGahee, Brown, and Tomlinson would be out of the picture. Detroit's best option would be going with cheaper, younger option in LenDale White or my favorite in the group Mike Bell.

Look for the Lions to get offensive help in the free agent market. Looking for young, healthy running backs and wide recievers. Mike Furrey and Mike Bell could be good oppotunities. While in the draft i would look for Detroit to go all defense.

The Lions have they option to bulk up the backfield and start to turn around the franchise. Question is, who and when will they get a feature back?