Pride of Detroit
Identifying which running backs the Detroit Lions should be keeping an eye on during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Our 2025 NFL Combine preview series continues, with this installment focusing on a handful of running backs who should be on the radar of Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes.
The running backs will participate in on-field activities on Saturday, March 1, a day that will also feature this year’s quarterback class (a group we have already featured in this series) and wide receivers group.
The Lions have their co-starters (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery) and a top reserve (Sione Vaki) locked in for potentially the next three seasons (through 2027), leaving just one depth spot unfilled. Craig Reynolds, who has assumed the Lions RB3 role the previous few seasons, is a restricted free agent and could potentially return. But if Reynolds departs, the Lions could tap into a deep running back class to round out their depth.
For running backs, the Lions tend to prefer traits like contact balance, explosiveness, reaction timing, and passing game contributions. So when watching, keep an eye on their balance through the hips, how they get in and out of their breaks, how quickly they accelerate through cuts, ball location on passing drills, and how natural they are at catching the ball.
Here’s an example of Gibbs in the “Duce Staley drill” from the 2023 NFL Combine. Notice the elite quickness with his feet, zero wasted movement, and perfect balance. This is teach tape for executing this drill.
This class of running backs is being touted as one of the best in NFL Draft history and upwards of 30+ are expected to be drafted in April. The Combine has invited 31 running backs to Indianapolis, which will give the Lions plenty of options to consider. However, based on their depth and needs elsewhere, it’s likely they only consider drafting Day 3 prospects or undrafted free agents.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few options who may pique the Lions' interest.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (5-foot-10, 215 pounds)
It may be a bit hopeful to believe Skattebo will be available on Day 3 of the draft, but with the depth of this class, some teams could choose to wait on selecting a back, while others may not see him as a scheme fit. For the Lions, Skattebo is a terrific fit, as his skill set marries very well with the Lions' scheme and culture.
Skattebo’s game is based on power and his aggressive nature makes him a bear to tackle. He has great contact balance, creates yards after contact by breaking all sorts of would-be tacklers, and brings everything he has to fight for a single yard. While he can be a bit stiff with heavy feet and lacks long speed, he is an excellent receiver with NFL-ready pass protection.
Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (5-foot-9, 212)
A highly...
