As with pretty much every team in the NFL, good news is a much-needed thing for the Detroit Lions. In the case of the Lions, good news is really important, because the team is heading into a new season without their longtime offensive and defensive coordinators.
Hopefully it’s nothing that Dan Campbell can’t handle. Either way, the Lions have a solid roster of returning talent on the field for the 2025-26 season, and the better these players are, the better the chance for the Lions to finally get to the big game for the first time in franchise history.
Since the 2025-26 season is still about two months away and the NFL is still very much in the offseason, it’s a good time to look at what players are back in the NFL and determine the best. It helps to get a feel for a team when you know how many highly ranked players are still in the fold. Now, ahead of the season, one NFL analyst is ranking the best in one position in the NFL, and it’s great to see a Lions star super high on the tally.
Detroit Lions Have an ‘Elite’ RB
In a July 7 feature, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked NFL executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 running backs in the NFL as we ramp up for the 2025-26 season. One Lions running back was named one of the best in the entire league.
“Rushing success stories were all over the NFL map,” Fowler stated in the piece. “The running back in Philly galvanized a Super Bowl run. The running back in Baltimore completely changed the Ravens’ offense. And young backs in Detroit and Atlanta showed major star power.”
Jahmyr Gibbs was ranked No. 3 overall on the tally, only behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. He’s only a third-year running back, so it’s really special that he’s so high up on the tally.The honor is warranted, too. In 2024, Gibbs led the NFL with 20 rushing touchdowns. In the piece, Fowler states, “Gibbs’ raw speed at 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds can ‘flip the game upside down’ on one play, per an NFC scout. And his 6.4 yards per touch last season was the highest mark by any player with 250 touches in a season over the past decade.”
Lions Star Gets Compared to Reggie Bush
An AFC executive said that Gibbs is “a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little bit more power,” adding, “Size will always be a little bit more of an issue with him, but his speed and instincts and ability to change the game are a problem and may be the best in the league.”
It’s going to be a treat to watch Gibbs and David Montgomery this season. The anticipation is building.
It’s also worth noting that PFF’s 2025 fantasy football running back rankings have Gibbs at No. 2, stating, “The Lions have a new offensive coordinator and new running back coach, which could lead to an increase in chances for Gibbs, pushing him closer to the top of the fantasy draft board.”
