By Blessing 
2025 Detroit Lions Draft Preview: Could a Late-Round Running Back Be the Hidden Gem They Need?
On paper, the Detroit Lions appear to be set at running back for the foreseeable future. With a well-rounded backfield and key contributors under contract for several years, the position hardly screams “urgent need.” Yet, as the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the Lions might still consider adding a running back—albeit quietly and probably late.
In this installment of our 2025 Lions needs-based draft series, we turn our focus to the running back room. Despite the analytics community’s consistent message that running backs shouldn’t warrant high picks or significant contracts, general manager Brad Holmes has never shied away from investing in the position. That confidence has paid off. Detroit boasted not only one of the most effective ground games last season but also the league’s best offense overall.
So, the big question is: Is there any real reason to think Detroit would spend another draft pick on a back?
The State of the Room
Under contract: David Montgomery (through 2027), Jahmyr Gibbs (2026), Sione Vaki (2027), Craig Reynolds (2025)
Short-term need: 2/10
Long-term need: 1/10
Barring injury, it would be downright shocking to see the Lions use a pick on a running back in the first two days of the draft. After all, they just extended David Montgomery’s contract last October, ensuring his bruising, downhill style remains a staple of the offense. Jahmyr Gibbs, on the other hand, is trending toward becoming one of the NFL’s elite backs, potentially positioning himself for a hefty extension in 2026.
Behind those two, Sione Vaki is developing nicely. He’s under contract for three more seasons and brings added value on special teams. If those three form the core of Detroit’s backfield for the next couple of years—as expected—there doesn’t seem to be much room, let alone urgency, for another addition.
Still, NFL rosters don’t stop at just three running backs.
Last year, Detroit entered training camp with seven backs on the roster. Right now, they’re sitting at four. That means there’s a good chance we’ll see the Lions scoop up some depth during the later rounds or even after the draft ends. At minimum, they’ll need to find someone to take over Jermar Jefferson’s practice squad spot, as he remains unsigned.
Eyeing the Talent Pool
This year’s draft class runs deep at the position, which plays right into Detroit’s hands. They don’t need to shop for a starter or even a heavy rotational player. That opens the door to value selections or taking a chance on an overlooked gem.
According to Pro Football Focus, these names sit in the top-100 rankings at RB:
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
- Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
- Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
- Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
- RJ Harvey (UCF)
- Damien Martinez (Miami, FL)
- DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
- Devin Neal (Kansas)
Given the Lions’ lack of urgency at the position, they could be in a perfect spot to capitalize if a strong prospect from another position slides due to a run on backs.
However, if the Lions do surprise fans and dip into the RB pool earlier than expected—perhaps late Day 2 or early Day 3—Jaydon Blue is a name worth noting. Blue served as Jahmyr Gibbs’ backup at Texas and played under current Lions running backs coach Tashard Choice. That connection alone might be enough to get Detroit’s attention.
Day 3 Sleepers
Once the draft moves into its later rounds, anything goes. Depth, special teams contributions, and developmental traits matter more than draft prestige.
Among those drawing interest:
- Lan Larison (UC Davis): A top-30 visitor for Detroit, Larison is a do-it-all weapon. He led the FCS with 2,132 all-purpose yards last year and has experience running, catching, returning kicks—and even lining up as a wildcat QB. At 5’11”, 215 pounds, he brings a gritty, versatile presence that could thrive in Detroit.
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan): A familiar face for local fans, Mullings had a breakout in 2024, surpassing Donovan Edwards. Once a linebacker, his transition to RB has shown his strength, vision, and a bruising style that fits the Lions’ identity.
- Phil Mafah (Clemson): If Montgomery is a bowling ball, then Mafah is “an oversized bocce ball.” At 6’0″, 234 pounds, he brings violent, punishing runs to the table and logged 21 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons.
While a flashy draft-day move at running back would catch most fans off guard, don’t rule it out completely. With depth to build and special teams roles to fill, a sneaky late-round addition could be exactly the type of move that keeps Detroit’s offensive engine purring.