INDIANAPOLIS – The great thing about the skill set rookie running back Kerryon Johnson showed off last season for the Lions is that it gives the Lions plenty of options in finding him some potential running mates.
There was only one runner in the NFL last season (Green Bay's Aaron Jones) who recorded a better average per rush than Johnson's 5.4 yards per carry. That showed Johnson's consistency as a runner.
Johnson also caught 32 balls out of the backfield, and was very good in short-yardage situations -- Two more skill sets featured in his game. What Johnson really showed is that he can be a three-down back, but don't expect the Lions to run him ragged in 2019.
"I never use the word bell-cow," Lions general manager Bob Quinn said at the Combine this week when asked if he considered Johnson a bell-cow back moving forward. "The way the NFL's set up nowadays, you've got to have multiple backs. There are really one or two guys in the league you're going to turn around and hand the ball off to 30-plus times.
"And I think it's a long season, it's a long training camp – so to keep everyone healthy and fresh through the second half of the season, it's not good to kind of have just one, main guy."
View photos of the prospects that met the media on Day 1 of the 2019 NFL Combine.
Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington State running back James Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama running back Josh Jacobs talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Temple running back Ryquell Armstead talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kansas State running back Alex Barnes talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan running back Karan Higdon talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Iowa State running back David Montgomery talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Pitt running back Quadree Ollison talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Memphis running back Darrell Henderson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State running back Damien Harris talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida offensive lineman Jaawan Taylor talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State running back Mike Weber talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kentucky running back Benny Snell talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
LSU running back Nick Brosstte talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington running back Miles Gaskin talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida running back Jordan Scarlett talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miami running back Travis Homer talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State running back Miles Sanders talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin running back Alec Ingold talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Stanford running back Bryce Love talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miami running back Travis Homer talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan State running back L.J. Scott talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Memphis running back Tony Pollard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
NC State offensive lineman Tyler Jones talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Jordan talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Indiana offensive lineman Brandon Knight talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington offensive lineman Kaleb McGary talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
UCLA offensive lineman Andre James talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida offensive lineman Fred Johnson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ferris State offensive lineman Devon Johnson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama State offensive lineman Tytus Howard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida offensive lineman Tez Ivey talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Northern Illinois offensive lineman Max Scharping talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State offensive lineman Connor McGovern talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State offensive lineman Isaiah Prince talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Virginia Tech offensive lineman Yosh Nijman talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
San Diego State offensive lineman Tyler Roemer talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Sioux Falls offensive lineman Trey Pipkins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Elon offensive lineman Oli Udoh talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Erik McCoy talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Weber State offensive lineman Iosua Opeta talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
San Diego State offensive lineman Ryan Pope talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Christopher Lindstrom talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman William Sweet talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Morgan State offensive lineman Joshua Miles talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ole Miss offensive lineman Greg Little talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Dru Samia talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Arkansas offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Lamont Gaillard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wake Forest offensive lineman Phil Haynes talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
West Virginia offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Minnesota offensive lineman Donnell Greene talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Charlotte offensive lineman Nate Davis talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
South Carolina offensive lineman Zack Bailey talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Alex Bars talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington State offensive lineman Andre Dillard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Villanova offensive lineman Ethan Greenidge talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
USC offensive lineman Chuma Edoga talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Utah offensive lineman Jackson Barton talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Bobby Evans talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Maryland offensive lineman Derwin Gray talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin offensive lineman David Edwards talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
South Carolina offensive lineman Dennis Daley talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Beau Benzchawel talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State offensive lineman Ryan Bates talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta'amu talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Missouri offensive lineman Paul Adams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Shaq Calhoun talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
NC State offensive lineman Garret Bradbury talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Deiter talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
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That being said, Johnson's skill set opens the door for the Lions to add just about any kind of back they think may fit in new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell's scheme. If they decide to add a back via the draft, it can be the best back available and not one that fits a specific skill set.
"It's hard to say exactly like, 'Hey, this is the complement to Kerryon,' because he does a couple of different things pretty well," Lions head coach Matt Patricia said at the Combine. "I think for us, it's just about trying to find balance in all of the players that we have and certainly, competition I think at that point will take care of itself once we get through the spring and through training camp and as we move toward the season, what do we think best balances out our offense as overall players?
"The good thing with Kerryon is he can kind of do a couple different things, which is good. He's not just kind of in one area."
Veterans LeGarrette Blount and Zach Zenner, Detroit's second and third leading rushers last season, are unrestricted free agents. Theo Riddick is entering the last year of his contract.
So, if the Lions are looking in the draft for a complementary back for Johnson, players of all shapes, sizes and skill sets seem open to evaluation.
Alabama's Josh Jacobs is considered by most to be the best back in this draft and a likely first-round pick. Though Quinn hasn't ruled out any position with the No. 8 pick, running back seems like an unlikely choice given Johnson's success last season and some other bigger needs to fill.
Day 2 and maybe even early in Day 3 could certainly be an option for the Lions, however, and there will be good backs with a wide range of abilities available to them. Players like Damien Harris (Alabama), Devin Singletary (Florida Atlantic), David Montgomery (Iowa State), Bryce Love (Stanford), Darrell Henderson (Memphis), Benny Snell (Kentucky), Elijah Holyfield (Georgia) and Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma) are all possibilities. And all possess a wide range of body types and skill sets.
"I think all of these guys can pass protect and catch and run the ball. That's officially what we're all here for," Montgomery said Thursday at the Combine. "All these guys in this class are good. They're second to none. There's definitely some talent in this class.
"Our class is not looked at as the best, but we definitely have some gems in here. I'm definitely excited to see what will happen here in the future, see how guys will pan out and see where guys are years from now."
Could one of them be in Detroit as Johnson's running mate? We'll see soon enough.
