Irish in the NFL: Why Theo Riddick Is In For A Big 2018
By J.P. Scott
Former Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick isn’t likely to see his role reduced this season.
Former Notre Dame running back and current Detroit Lion Theo Riddick has made a name for himself as one of the best third-down backs in the NFL during his career.
Despite Detroit drafting the versatile Kerryon Johnson out of Auburn in the 2018 NFL Draft, you shouldn’t expect Riddick’s production in that role to decline in 2018.
New Lions head coach Matt Patricia comes from a culture in New England that values the third-down back. They also in running backs sharing the workload. Historically, this has helped the Patriots have healthy and experienced backfield come playoff time.
Additionally, Patricia has watched Bill Belichick feature certain players pretty heavily at times, subsequently increasing their eventual trade value.
I firmly believe that is Matt Patricia’s plan in regard to Riddick’s future.
Moneyball
Theo Riddick will make $2.7 million in 2018 and is due to make $3.2 million in 2019. Don’t think Matt Patricia doesn’t notice that half-million dollar pay raise in regard to cap space.
Without necessarily overhauling the offensive scheme currently in place, be on the lookout for Patricia to increase Riddick’s snaps and touches. By doing this, he’ll increase Riddick’s trade value next offseason (as long as he performs as well as he has been) and likely keep the young rookie Johnson healthy and fresh throughout his rookie campaign.
If you factor in a 20 percent increase in carries, targets and receptions, you could very well see Theo Riddick’s final 2018 stat line look something like this:
345 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns/525 receiving yards and three receiving scores.
That will be enough to boost Riddick’s value as a dependable third-down option and allow the Lions to get back some value, should they decide to deal him.
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Fantasy football players who like having former Notre Dame players on their rosters certainly wouldn’t be hurting themselves by taking a late flyer on Theo Riddick. They can plan on him filling in when their top two backs are on bye weeks and not lose any sleep over it.