2020 Lions Depth Chart: Running Backs

Exploring how the Lions may utilize their running backs corps in 2020

The Detroit Lions' rushing attack has been under construction longer than some of the major freeways locally. 

Since 2009, Matthew Stafford's rookie season, the Lions' rushing attack hasn't ranked better than 17th in the league. 

In five of those seasons, they've ranked 28th or worse, per DetroitLions.com

The draft selection of D'Andre Swift adds a tremendous weapon in the backfield that can play alongside Kerryon Johnson in several different offensive formations.

The trio of Johnson, Swift, and Bo Scarbrough will share snaps in Detroit offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell's offense.

“Well, I think we always want a stable of backs. I think I’ve said that for a long time. You can count on one hand how many backs kind of carry the load," Lions general manager Bob Quinn said following Day 2 of the draft. 

"There’s not a lot of those guys walking around. I think we always need multiple backs. It’s a position where guys get hit. They take a pounding. So, we’ve just got to make sure we have good depth and guys that can go out there and make plays for us.”

Quinn also made it clear that Ty Johnson and fifth-round pick Jason Huntley will be in competition for that fourth running back position. 

"(Jason) Huntley will be our smallest guy, but he’s extremely fast. So (I’m) very confident that we’ll find a role for him, and he is going to be in competition with Ty Johnson," Quinn said. 

"Ty Johnson was a sixth-round pick last year, so Ty knows. Ty’s a smart guy. Ty knows he has to come in and learn it every year. We’re excited about Ty Johnson and hopefully the progress he makes from year one to year two. We’re going to put Jason right in there with him. We’ll keep the best team we can."

Wes Hills is a long shot to make the roster in 2020.

Running backs depth chart

Kerryon Johnson

D'Andre Swift 

Bo Scarbrough

Ty Johnson

Jason Huntley 

Wes Hills 

Related

Get to Know 2020 Lions' Draft Class

Hunter Bryant May Be Best Undrafted Free Agent from 2020 Draft Class

Lions' Offense Could Be Sleeping Giant in 2020

Ranking Bob Quinn's Drafts as Detroit General Manager