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.