2025 NFL Combine preview: 6 running backs the Detroit Lions should be watching

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.

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Team need

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.

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What to watch for

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.

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Setting the table

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.

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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 efficient four-year contributor, Hunter is a downhill runner with great contact balance and strength—Hunter will remind many Lions fans of a faster Craig Reynolds. He shows great patience behind the offensive line, waiting for blocking lanes to open, but he needs to be more urgent in getting through the holes. His vision and determination put him on the right side of decision-making, and he is technically proficient as a pass protector, though his size can be an obstacle in this area.

Kalel Mullins, Michigan (6-foot-2, 233)

As a former linebacker, Mullins understands how the line of scrimmage operates because he’s played on both sides of it. This experience leads to great vision with the ball in his hands and he attacks the opening like a defender. He brings a physical nature to everything he does, consistently gains yards after contact, and falls forward when tackled. His ability to pass protect, contribute on special teams, and not turn the ball over (zero fumbles in 185 carries over the last two years) will get him on the field early in his career, though he’ll need to show he can contribute more as a receiver—as Michigan gave most of those reps to Donovan Edwards.

Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (5-foot-9, 210)

Everything about Monangai’s game screams “Lions.” A pinball of muscled-up power, Monangai uses short bursts to bounce off contact and grind out yards by breaking tackles, simply willing himself to gain an extra yard in contested moments—especially at the goal line. He wins his one-on-one battles and will often run through single defenders who don’t square up on him. While not an elite athlete, nor much of a contributor as a receiver, he has elite-level pass protection and takes on blitzers with pride and purpose . His zero fumbles on 676 career carries is an impressive stat.

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech (5-foot-9, 211)

Tuten is a speed runner who forces missed tackles at an elite rate due to his elusiveness, wiggle in open space, and ability to make sharp cutbacks against defenders. His contact balance is clearly at an NFL level, and he possesses the ability to take it to the house, which could have some teams overlooking some of his concerns. His vision can run hot and cold, he can improve his drops, and he must also improve his ball security.

Jaydon Blue, Texas (5-foot-11, 200)

Blue spent the last three seasons learning under position coach Tashard Choice, who recently accepted a job with the Lions , meaning Detroit should know his potential better than any other team in the NFL. Blue is an attacking runner who shows off above-average speed when he gets through the hole and into space. He’s not as physical as the other backs on this list, but he’s a real problem in the open field and can be a quality change-of-pace option at the next level. He excels as a receiver, where he is an easily noticeable mismatch for defenders, often dusting his man in coverage on wheel and Texas routes.