After losing to the Seahawks in the Julius Jones "sweepstakes," the Detroit Lions decided to re-sign a running back they barely used last season. Tatum Bell, who rushed for 1,025 yards in part-time duty with the Broncos in 2006, had only 44 carries for 182 yards in Mike Martz's anti-run offense last season in Detroit.
He didn't find a lot of interest on the free-agent market despite the fact that teams such as the Bears and Cowboys needed depth at running back. With a new offensive coordinator, Bell will have a lot better shot at having a big payday in 2009. I'm sure we'll read that Kevin Jones is supposed to make a triumphant comeback from a torn ACL, but don't believe it for a second.
Jones, Bell, Julius Jones, Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Mewelde Moore and Michael Turner were all part of what was supposed to be an amazing group of running backs in the 2004 draft. And with the possible exceptions of Jackson and Turner (jury's still out), the class hasn't panned out.
Here's my shocking Detroit Lions prediction for 2008: Bell will run for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns.
