Taking a closer look at the running backs who performed well at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Day 3 of on-field drills at the 2025 NFL Combine kicked off with the running backs group and there were plenty of prospects to sort through in a deep class. With the Detroit Lions looking for potential depth options, we take a look at which prospects helped improve their stock.
Here are the position groups we’ve covered so far:
We previously explored some of the prospects we kept close eyes on, but if you missed it, be sure to give it a look for more information: Previewing the running backs group ahead of the 2025 Combine .
And with that, let’s look at the running backs who stood out on Day 3 of on-field drills.
Jo’quavious “Woody” Marks, USC (5-foot-10, 207) didn’t make my pre-Combine watchlist but he was one of the more impressive backs to participate. While he only ran a 4.54 40-yard dash, he showed balance and body control throughout every drill. As a runner, he worked with his head up and locked in, helping him make decisive decisions. As a receiver, he attacked his routes with no hesitation, showed smooth transitions in change of direction/cuts, and displayed elite hands as a receiver. While he won’t challenge either Jahmyr Gibbs or David Montgomery for snaps, he could be an immediate contributor on third downs and special teams.
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech (5-foot-9, 206) ran a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash, but that speed wasn’t always on display in drills. When moving lateral as a ball carrier or flaring into routes, his speed was average, and only showed up once he got north-south. There’s some shimmy to his game, he’s light on his feet, and his routes are clean, but we only get to see his true speed when he’s moving forward.
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (5-foot-8, 211) is stout and muscular, looking much bigger than his actual weight. His steps are powerful and he cuts with aggression, but those cuts appear to be a bit labored. Still, he gets moving quickly, especially when moving laterally to the outside, and transitions well. His hands work for his role and his wheel route was a thing of beauty.
Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (5-foot-9, 204) ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and his on-field drills were solid across the board but not spectacular. Hunter’s cuts were decent, his hands caught pretty much everything, and he was shifty in routes (though I would have preferred he got in and out of his cuts quicker). Overall, it’s hard to pinpoint any elite traits in Hunter’s game, but he does everything well, and is at his best when he gets downhill—making him a reliable backup that could be acquired for cheap.
Jaydon Blue, Texas (5-foot-9, 196) ran an impressive 4.38 40-yard dash (reaching 23.19 miles per hour—fourth best) but he unfortunately didn’t participate in on-field drills. With his connection to Lions running back Tashard Choice, and the ability to be a pass catching mismatch, he should be in play for the Lions.
With Blue not participating in drills, I’ll add another bonus player to the list.
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (5-foot-8, 200) shouldn’t be available anywhere near where the Lions would consider drafting a running back, but I thought he was easily one of the best backs at the Combine. He didn’t run a 40 because he was nursing an injury, but he did just about everything right in on-field drills. Displaying quick feet, and balanced body control, Sampson was sharp in his cuts, and exploded out of his breaks. He made his decisions while moving forward, shortening his decision-making time, and was dynamic in the passing game.