In 2014, the versatility of the running game was supposed to be a highlight of the offense. Reggie Bush was injured early in the season, and although he played games later in the season, he never truly recovered. The Bush injury, with awful offensive line play, and the team learning a new complex offense, stifled the run game. The Lions finished the season ranked 28th in rushing offense. As a team they averaged 88.9 rushing yards per game.

Joique Bell and Theo Riddick return, while the Lions drafted Ameer Abdullah in the second round of the 2015 draft. The team also brought in undrafted free agents Zach Zenner (South Dakota St.) and Desmond Martin (Wayne State University), in addition to last year's undrafted free agent George Winn.

1. Joique Bell - Assuming Bell is healthy for the start of the season, he will be the number one back. Ameer Adullah is very impressive thus far, but will have to be twice as impressive to unseat a healthy Bell. Joique is a workhorse, but his yards per carry were a pedestrian 3.9. Hopefully the revamped offensive line gives him a chance to bring that yards per carry number up. Joique has improved his pass catching throughout his career. The one knock on Bell is that he has had fumbling issues. Bell fumbled five times last season, but only one of those fumbles resulted in a turnover. Although there have been some hiccups in his game, Bell commented recently that his goal for this season was to reach 1,200 yards rushing.

2. Ameer Abdullah - The second-round pick out of Nebraska has been one of the biggest stories of the off season for the Lions. He has an incredibly quick first step and can make cuts to immediately get upfield. Abdullah also has great hands, and they have been on display during both OTA's and minicamp. Expect Abdullah to eat up some of Riddick's downs by the end of the season and in that time giving strong competition to become the starter. It remains to be seen how much Adbullah will be involved in the return game, but expect him to see some action in that area.

3. Theo Riddick - Riddick's ability to carry the ball is limited and remains to be seen. However, he is the best pass catcher coming out of the backfield. He made critical catches last season and may see plenty of time in the slot and third down. Expect Abdullah to eat up some of Riddick's downs by the end of the season.

4. Zack Zenner - Zenner is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Despite being undrafted, Zenner had a great workout at the NFL Combine prior to the draft, posting a 41-inch vertical (top performer). Zenner is a workhorse who is a one-cut downhill runner. At 5'11" and 223 lbs., Zenner ran a 4.6 forty yard dash at the combine. His combination of speed and size are rare.

5. George Winn - Winn joined the team prior to last season as an undrafted free agent. He dressed for 12 games and made great contributions on special teams. His carries were limited as he had 19 for 73 yards. His versatility on special teams increases his value, but will that be enough for him to earn a spot on the 53-man roster?

6. Desmond Martin - The local Wayne State product was brought in as a camp body, but has been turning heads. Martin's unofficial combine time was 4.73 in the 40-yard dash. If it were official, that would have been 24th among the 31 tailbacks at the combine. Martin has the furthest to go to earn a roster spot.

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