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Detroit Free Press sports reporter Dave Birkett takes a position-by-position look at the top prospects and the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL draft. This is the second in an eight-part series.
This is the deepest running back draft in recent memory, but the Detroit Lions are well-fortified at the position with no glaring short- or long-term needs.
Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the best backs in the NFL and under contract for two more seasons with an extension potentially coming next spring. His cohort, David Montgomery, signed a two-year extension last fall that ties him to Detroit through 2027. And last year’s top backups, Sione Vaki and Craig Reynolds, return in special-teams roles.
The Lions have taken a running back in three of Brad Holmes’ four drafts as GM, and while they could look to add more backup competition given Vaki’s inexperience (he played mostly safety in college), Reynolds’ age (he turns 29 in June) and Montgomery’s health (he missed time late last season with a knee injury), it’s tough to envision them investing significant draft capital in the position again.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is a probable top-10 pick and the best offensive skill player in the draft not named Travis Hunter. He nearly broke Barry Sanders’ NCAA rushing record with 2,601 yards last year and should interest teams like the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders picking in the top half of the first round.
North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is widely considered the second-best back in the draft and another potential first-round choice, but there’s enough talent at the position teams don’t have to force a running back pick early. Ohio State teammates TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins should go somewhere on Day 2, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson could shine in a zone rushing attack, and NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah aptly described Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo as someone who “chooses violence” as a rusher. “I don't know if I have ever seen a more aggressive runner who just seeks out contact and who can absorb contact,” Jeremiah said.
Of the local products, Michigan’s Kaleel Mullings projects as a Day 3 pick with special teams value because of his powerful running style and past history as a linebacker, Donovan Warren is another potential late-round choice and Davenport’s Myren Harris may be the best GLIAC prospect in the draft.
The Lions could be looking to add a fullback late in the draft or in undrafted free agency after not having the position on their roster last year. They did talk to at least one player, Ferris State nose tackle Victor Nelson, about changing positions to fullback this spring.
On the Lions roster: RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, Craig Reynolds.
Recent Lions draft picks at RB: 2024-Sione Vaki (4th round). 2023-Jahmyr Gibbs (1st round). 2022-None. 2021-Jermar Jefferson (7th round). 2020-D’Andre Swift (2nd round); Jason Huntley (5th round).
Dave Birkett’s top 3 RB prospects: 1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State; 2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina; 3. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa.
Other players with Michigan ties: RB Donovan Warren, Michigan; Kalel Mullings, Michigan; RB Myren Harris, Davenport; Peny Boone, Central Florida (Detroit King); Jaren Mangham, Minnesota (Detroit Cass Tech); Anthony Tyus, Ohio (Portage Northern).
Day 3 sleeper who could interest Lions: Jaydon Blue, Texas.
Dave Birkett is the author of the book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline." Order your copy here. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NFL draft preview: In deep class, Lions already well-stocked at RB
Continue reading...
This is the deepest running back draft in recent memory, but the Detroit Lions are well-fortified at the position with no glaring short- or long-term needs.
Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the best backs in the NFL and under contract for two more seasons with an extension potentially coming next spring. His cohort, David Montgomery, signed a two-year extension last fall that ties him to Detroit through 2027. And last year’s top backups, Sione Vaki and Craig Reynolds, return in special-teams roles.
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The Lions have taken a running back in three of Brad Holmes’ four drafts as GM, and while they could look to add more backup competition given Vaki’s inexperience (he played mostly safety in college), Reynolds’ age (he turns 29 in June) and Montgomery’s health (he missed time late last season with a knee injury), it’s tough to envision them investing significant draft capital in the position again.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is a probable top-10 pick and the best offensive skill player in the draft not named Travis Hunter. He nearly broke Barry Sanders’ NCAA rushing record with 2,601 yards last year and should interest teams like the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders picking in the top half of the first round.
North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is widely considered the second-best back in the draft and another potential first-round choice, but there’s enough talent at the position teams don’t have to force a running back pick early. Ohio State teammates TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins should go somewhere on Day 2, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson could shine in a zone rushing attack, and NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah aptly described Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo as someone who “chooses violence” as a rusher. “I don't know if I have ever seen a more aggressive runner who just seeks out contact and who can absorb contact,” Jeremiah said.
Of the local products, Michigan’s Kaleel Mullings projects as a Day 3 pick with special teams value because of his powerful running style and past history as a linebacker, Donovan Warren is another potential late-round choice and Davenport’s Myren Harris may be the best GLIAC prospect in the draft.
The Lions could be looking to add a fullback late in the draft or in undrafted free agency after not having the position on their roster last year. They did talk to at least one player, Ferris State nose tackle Victor Nelson, about changing positions to fullback this spring.
NFL draft preview: Running back
On the Lions roster: RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, Craig Reynolds.
Recent Lions draft picks at RB: 2024-Sione Vaki (4th round). 2023-Jahmyr Gibbs (1st round). 2022-None. 2021-Jermar Jefferson (7th round). 2020-D’Andre Swift (2nd round); Jason Huntley (5th round).
Dave Birkett’s top 3 RB prospects: 1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State; 2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina; 3. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa.
Other players with Michigan ties: RB Donovan Warren, Michigan; Kalel Mullings, Michigan; RB Myren Harris, Davenport; Peny Boone, Central Florida (Detroit King); Jaren Mangham, Minnesota (Detroit Cass Tech); Anthony Tyus, Ohio (Portage Northern).
Day 3 sleeper who could interest Lions: Jaydon Blue, Texas.
Dave Birkett is the author of the book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline." Order your copy here. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NFL draft preview: In deep class, Lions already well-stocked at RB
Continue reading...
