The Facts: Riddick had only 13 touches last season and is still buried behind Reggie Bush and Joique Bell on the depth chart. But then a funny thing happened. Reggie Bush called Theo Riddick his sleeper, too. And OC Joe Lombardi, unprompted, singled out Riddick as one of the stars of the offseason program. Detroit wrapped up that program Thursday in Allen Park, and there might not have been a single player who improved his standing with the club more than Riddick. "He's certainly done well," HC Jim Caldwell said. "He's had a very good spring. As a matter of fact, even in my preliminary evaluation, just watching him in special teams last year, he jumps out at you."
Diehards Line:
Riddick played just 49 snaps last year, carrying the ball nine times for 25 yards and catching four passes for 26 yards. But more snaps appear to be in order. Riddick played a lot of receiver at Notre Dame, finishing his career with 120 catches for 1,263 yards and eight touchdowns. And Lombardi's offense, inspired by the high-flying Saints, is a haven for tailbacks who can catch the ball. With Joique Bell sitting out OTAs and minicamp with a knee injury, plus Mikel Leshoure missing two days of minicamp, Riddick has been a featured component in the backfield. He's running between the tackles. He's bouncing outside. And where he's really impressed is in the passing game, where he's caught almost everything thrown his way. Still, at this point, Riddick belongs more on your radar than your draft list.