Despite the data from the last decade or so, the Detroit Lions bucked several trends last offseason by investing in the running back position.
First, they signed veteran running back David Montgomery to a three-year, $18M deal. Montgomery is a powerfully-built, shifty runner who is capable of shrugging off arm-tackles and making defenders miss in space.
Then, with their first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, they selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs out of the University of Alabama. Analysts everywhere collectively gasped, but with their new duo of backs along with their vaunted offensive line—it became clear how the Lions wanted to operate on offense.