Detroit Lions running backs

Injuries made this group really difficult to evaluate. If everyone is healthy it is versatile and deep but as the Lions found out last year it might not been enough. Pro Football Focus ranked the backfield # 25 in the NFL.

2016 STATS
PLAYER	GAMES	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD
Ameer Abdullah	2	18	101	5.6	0	5	57	1
Theo Riddick	10	92	357	3.9	1	53	371	5
Zach Zenner	14	88	334	3.8	4	18	196	0
Dwayne Washington	12	90	265	2.9	1	10	62	0
Mike James^	4	4	19	4.8	0	4	22	0
Matt Asiata#	16	121	402	3.3	6	32	263	0
Tion Green*	12	159	743	4.7	2	29	167	0

2016 Leaders

Touchdowns
Riddick 6
Zenner 4
Washington
Abdullah

Turnovers
Zenner

Penalties
Zenner 2
Washington
Bell

YAC
Riddick 389
Zenner 204
Washington 76
Abdullah 59

Drops
Riddick 2
Forsett
Washington

Returning:
Ameer Abdullah
Zach Zenner
Theo Riddick

Lost:
Joquie Bell
Michael Burton

Ameer Abdullah 3rd year in Detroit 18 games 11 starts
2nd round pick in 2015
Regular Season: 161/698/2 30/240/2 rec 2 fl
Pre season: 16/980/0 rush
Nebraska: 53 games 8/13/4598/39 73/690/7 rec
Combine: 5086 205 4.6 24 42.5 1010 6.79 3.95
Contract: 2 years $1.1 mil
Snaps in 2016: 57

Analysis:
Explosive player who can make people miss. Injuries have derailed his first two seasons. Given his lack of size, durability is his Achilles heel.

Theo Riddick 5th year in Detroit 54 games 11 starts
6th round pick 2013
Regular Season: 164/566/2 171/1410/12 rec
Post Season: 1 game 4/39 rec
pre season: 54/183/1 19/132/2 rec
College: Notre Dame: 244/1169/5 120/1262/8 rec
Combine: 5101 201 4.68 14 32 910 6.99 4.32
Pro Football Focus Rank: #12
Si.com Rank: # 306
Contracts: 3 years $2.4 mil
Snaps: 423

Analysis:
A big question mark coming in to camp. He missed the off season with two wrist surgeries. The offense tanked once Theo was injured. His ability in the open field is essential to the Lions attack. He ranked # 3 in receiving for a running back by PFF.

Zach Zenner 3rd year in Detroit 20 games 5 starts
UDFA 2015
Regular Season: 105/394/4 20/207/0 Rec
Post Season: 1 start 11/340 6/54 rec
Pre season: 54/230/2 13/121/1 rec
College: South Dakota State: 1095/6538/61 95/909/8 rec
Combine: 5113 223 4.6 25 41 1001 7.08 4.14
PFF Rank: #52
Contract: 1 year $616,668
Snaps: 346 O 126 ST

Analysis:
Perfect # 3 back. Can do everything well including play of the special teams. He showed he is not a starter but a valuable reserve.

Dwayne Washington 2nd year in Detroit 12 games 2 starts
7th round pick in 2016
Regular Season: 90/265/1 10/62/0 rec
Post Season 1 game
Pre season: 18/104/2 1/15 rec
College: Washington: 31 games 226/1311/17 41/411/4 rec
Pro Day: 6010 223 4.48 21 37.5 1007 6.85 4.22
Contract: 3 years $558,941
Snaps: 231 O 78 ST

Analysis:
Struggled as a rookie. Showed very little feel as a runner. Stiff in the passing game. An intriguing athlete who can return kicks and play special teams. Will compete for the 4th back.

Matt Asiata 1st year in Detroit 7th in the NFL 74 games 16 starts
Free agent 2017
Regular Season: 361/ 1259/18 101/722/1 rec
Playoffs 1 game 1 /13 rec
College: Utah 31 games 379/1748/24 54/394/2 rec
Combine: 5110 229 4.77 22 30 808 7.06 4.37
PFF rank: # 34
Contract 1 year $775,000

Analysis:
Spring pick up to contend for the 4th back. Is a clone of Zenner, can do everything well and play special teams.

Mike James 2nd year in Detroit 4th in the NFL 23 games 3 starts
FA 2016
Regular Season: 83/351/0 15/60 rec
College: Miami 50 games 304/1340/17 67/585/5 rec
Combine: 5104 223 4.53 28 35 907 6.93 4.34
Contract: 1 year $615,000

Analysis:
Picked a couple times in 2016 to the practice squad. Has some experience with the Bucs. A long shot to make the team. Injured throughout camp.

Tion Green Rookie
UDFA 2017
College: Cincinnati 48 games 445/2072/19 47/295/0
Pro Day: 5110 221 4.79 18 31.5 900 7.38 4.58
Contracts: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
Bigger back but lacks speed. Plays on the special teams but probably not an NFL running back. Surprised many by making the 53 man roster. Strong special teams and a great game 4.