Tim Twentyman

The Detroit Lions return arguably the best running back duo in the NFL inJahmyr GibbsandDavid Montgomery, but what's wrong with a little competition for the No. 3 and No. 4 roles and improved depth overall?

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has selected a running back in each of the last two NFL Drafts and he's certainly not afraid of competition at a position of great importance to the Lions' offense.

Running back class draft strength:Talent and depth. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is one of the best players in the entire draft and we could see two or three running backs taken in the first round. Teams are going to find very productive players and potentially some immediate starters well into Day 2 at the position.

Lions running back depth chart:Gibbs, Montgomery,Craig Reynolds,Sione Vaki

Lions running back draft priority:Low. Gibbs and Montgomery were both 1,000-yard rushers last season and lead a Lions rushing attack that's one of the best in the business. Reynolds is a reliable No. 3 back, and Vaki is already a terrific special teamer with upside as a runner, but four running backs on the roster heading into training camp and the preseason is a little light.

Five running backs who could fit the Lions:

1. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

5-10, 202. 4.43 40-yard dash

Henderson has three-down potential in the NFL as a player who possesses terrific speed and acceleration in the open field. He was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Buckeyes last season and has 77 career receptions and 48 total touchdowns over his career.

2. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

6-0, 221. 4.48 40-yard dash

Judkins has terrific size, athleticism and speed for the position. He rushed for over 1,000 yards along with Henderson for the Buckeyes last season. The Mississippi transfer rushed for over 1,100 yards in the SEC as a sophomore in 2023, which means he was a 1,000-yard rusher in both of the top two conferences in college football the last two seasons.

3. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee

5-8, 200. 4.42 40-yard dash

The SEC Player of the Year had nearly 1,500 rushing yards (1,491) and 22 touchdowns this past season and also chipped in 20 receptions. He's got to prove to teams he can pass protect with his frame, and he also has to improve his ball security, but he could be a terrific special teams player and good complement to Gibbs and Montgomery as a third option.

4. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

6-1, 224. 4.57 40-yard dash

Montgomery is a strong runner and breaks tackles at a high clip, but Johnson would be a true thumper in Detroit's backfield with his size, strength and running style combo. He recorded 1,537 rushing yards (6.4 avg.) with 21 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes last season. His size would give the Lions a dimension they don't currently have in their backfield and he could play some fullback reps too.

5. Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech

5-9, 206. 4.32 40-yard dash

Tuten has rare track speed with big-play potential on every snap. Tuten rushed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. One thing to consider with Tuten is the changes to the kickoff rule being implemented this offseason and the expectation that more returns will be coming on that play in 2025. He could be dynamic there. Having two backs with sub-4.4 speed could be fun for new Lions offensive coordinator John Morton.