Lions determined to add running back in offseason
John Niyo / The Detroit News
Mobile, Ala. -- The Lions have three running backs under contract in Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown. But general manager Martin Mayhew already is on record saying, "I anticipate adding somebody to that position," either through free agency or trade or the draft.
"The question will be what their role is going to be," Mayhew said. "Is it going to be a guy you bring in and say, 'This guy is going to be our starter.' Or is it going to be a guy you bring in to supplement what you already have."
Lions coach Jim Schwartz echoed those sentiments, pointing to teams like Dallas, Jacksonville, Carolina and San Diego that have found strength in numbers in the backfield.
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"I think the run game is always something that ... I don't think you're ever sort of standing pat," Schwartz said. "It doesn't mean that you don't like the guy that you have. It's just part of that position."
Here are the top five running backs in April's draft, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper, draft expert:
1. C.J. Spiller (5-11/195), Clemson
2. Jhavid Best (5-10, 195), California
3. Dexter McCluster (5-8, 165), Mississippi
4. Jonathan Dwyer (6-1, 235), Georgia Tech
5. Ryan Mathews (5-11, 220), Fresno State
Lions pick second overall in the first round -- where they are expected to take a defensive tackle -- and 34th overall in the second round.
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