ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions are starting to get key contributions from players they’ve drafted the last two years.
Second-year pros Mikel Leshoure and Titus Young, along with rookies Ryan Broyles and Riley Reiff have helped Detroit (4-4) win three of its last four games to climb back to a .500 midway through the season.
Leshoure has made the biggest impact, giving the team a desperately needed power running back to help the pass-happy offense strike a balance. Young and Broyles are making the most of their opportunities to catch passes that previously went toward receiver Nate Burleson. And Reiff is finding his way onto the field as an extra offensive lineman, paving the way for runs and helping protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
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