As of right now, Joique Bell is expected to be the lead back for the Detroit Lions with Theo Riddick replacing Reggie Bush as the main pass-catching back. Fantasy football owners want to know how Riddick will perform in an expanded role after totaling at least nine points in three games last season.
"What role he plays, how much he's going to get it, kind of depends on how well we move the ball and how many opportunities we get, what kind of game it is, are we playing great defense, that kind of thing," head coach Jim Caldwell said via MLive.com last week.
"But I will say that he's going to improve. He has all the qualities. Here's the thing - if you're smart, if you're tough, if you're disciplined, if you have a great work ethic, there's improvement ahead. And he has all those things. So I think he's going to improve, and I think he's going to force us get him the ball a little bit more in some situation."
Riddick carried the ball 20 times last season for 51 yards (2.6 YPC) and caught 34 passes for 316 yards (9.3 YPR). He also caught four touchdown passes. The main factor standing in Riddick's way is Detroit's approach to the NFL draft. Should the team select a running back in the early rounds, Riddick's playing time would likely be too scarce to count on for consistent fantasy production. Otherwise, Riddick could be a great PPR addition.
"It's unclear whether the Lions will add another option, as Joique Bell remains entrenched as their starter and Riddick is their replacement for Reggie Bush as the receiving back," ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson wrote. "Riddick has been highly impressive in limited snaps, and he should have a major role on throwing downs no matter how the Lions approach this draft. A 23-year old RB/WR hybrid, Riddick has a mere 67 touches during his career, but has scored five times. It's possible he could take over some slot duty for Detroit, as they currently have a void there. Riddick could be ready for a breakout. If the Lions do take a running back early in the draft - and we know they have talked extensively with Todd Gurley - Riddick's value could be wiped out. But for now, he's worth grabbing."
