Our 2025 Detroit Lions needs-based draft preview continues with the running back position. Lions general manager Brad Holmes has not hesitated to invest in the position, despite analytic communities insisting running backs weren’t worth spending valuable draft capital on—nor using cap space. It has certainly paid off for Detroit though, as the Lions sported one of the best rushing attacks—and the best overall offense—this past year.
But is there any more work to do at the position as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft?
2025 Detroit Lions draft preview: Running backs
Under contract: David Montgomery (signed through 2027), Jahmyr Gibbs (2026), Sione Vaki (2027), Craig Reynolds (2025)
Short-term need: 2/10
Long-term need: 1/10
There may not be a Lions position that would draw a more shocked response if drafted on Day 1 or 2 than running back. The Lions just gave Montgomery an extension in October, Gibbs could very well be a top-three running back in the league—and is a prime candidate for his own extension in 2026—and Sione Vaki is a developmental running back under contract for three years who has already established himself as a huge asset on special teams. Those players are likely to hold Detroit’s top three running back spots for at least the next two seasons, quite possibly three.
That said, Detroit is probably going to want to add some depth to round out the roster. Last year, the Lions came into training camp with seven running backs under contract, and they currently only have four, so don’t be surprised if Detroit adds a few later-round or UDFA backs during and after the draft. At the very least, Jermar Jefferson’s spot on the practice squad will have to be filled, as he has not re-signed with the team as of this publishing.
PFF top-100
Ashton Jeanty, Boise St.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Kaleb Johnson, Iwa
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
RJ Harvey, UCF
Damien Martinez, Miami (FL)
DJ Giddens, Kansas St.
Devin Neal, Kansas
As you can see, it’s a pretty deep class for running back, which could work in Detroit’s favor. Seeing as they don’t need a running back on Day 1 or Day 2, if plenty come off the board, it could cause a talented player at a different position to unexpectedly fall to Detroit.
That said, if the Lions shock the world and take someone on Day 2 or early Day 3, keep an eye on Jaydon Blue—a Jahmyr Gibbs backup type who played under now Lions running backs coach Tashard Choice at Texas.
Notable Day 3 players
Lan Larison (UC-Davis), Kalel Mullings (Michigan), Phil Mafah (Clemson)
When you get deep into the draft, any position is possible, particularly with Detroit’s need to fill out the rest of their training camp roster. Of this group, Larison is one of the most intriguing options. Not only did he reportedly score a top-30 visit with the Lions, but he’s a great mix of production, versatility, and grit. He led the FCS with 2,132 all-purpose yards last year. At 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, Larison did everything for UC Davis, including acting as a wildcat quarterback, kick returner, and receiver. Those locally know Mullings well, as he burst onto the scene in 2024, eclipsing Donovan Edwards. Mullings—a former linebacker—has strength and vision, making him a solid change-of-pace back with some special teams upside. If Montgomery is a bowling ball, Mafah (6-foot, 234) is an oversized bocce ball. He plays with violence and tenacity that makes him difficult to take do, as evidenced by his 21 rushing touchdowns over his last two seasons.