_This is the first of our prospect position-by-position preview series for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which kicks off next week in Indianapolis._ _**Today:**_ _Running Backs |_ _**Previously:**_ [_Quarterbacks_](https://www.mlive.com/lions/2026/02/2026-nfl-combine-detroit-lions-shouldnt-feel-pressure-to-chase-backup-qbs.html)
**Need?**
There are several reasons why adding another running back to the roster would prove to be a smart move. The future of the Lions’ running back room still hangs in the balance. That said, using the draft to add another backfield threat would not be the best use of their picks this year -- if it’s in the early rounds.
Jahmyr Gibbs became the Lions’ top running back by the end of the 2024 season. His numbers dipped a bit in 2025, his first year as a full-time starter, but he still showed he can handle most of the workload and remains one of the NFL’s most exciting offensive players. David Montgomery, the clear second option last season, stayed healthy and played all 17 games. Still, his role and production dropped a lot, which raises questions about his future with the team.
Gibbs can sign an extension with the Lions, and both sides will likely try to get that done this year. Montgomery’s new two-year, $18.25 million contract starts this season if he stays in Detroit. From what Montgomery said during Super Bowl LX week, he seems eager for another year as a Lion. With new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s preferred style, it’s likely he wants both Gibbs and Montgomery in the backfield, and he has spoken highly of both players in recent interviews.
If “Sonic and Knuckles” stay together, the next question is who will be the third running back in the rotation. Before he was released last November, Craig Reynolds held that spot in Detroit since 2021. Now, the Lions do have options on the roster and might look to Sione Vaki or Jacob Saylors to fill the role. Saylors, who did well dazzled as a lead back in the UFL, is set as a return specialist for the Lions, turning in a respectable 2025 campaign. It’s still unclear what Vaki can offer after a series of injuries hindered him last season. Because of this, the Lions might use a late-round draft pick to add a running back to develop for the future.
Adding another running back isn’t a must for the Lions. It would be more of a bonus. Still, there’s something to think about. If Montgomery stays for the next two years, he’ll be 30 when his contract ends, which is usually past the prime for NFL running backs. Having a younger player already learning the system could be a smart move for Detroit.
Plus, the Lions would not be the first NFL team to landed a talented running back near the end of the draft. Take a look at the Chicago Bears when they drafted Kyle Monangai in the seventh round last year.
**Top Prospects:**
**Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame**
Jeremiyah Love turned in his second consecutive season of dominance playing for the Fighting Irish. A Unanimous All-American and Doak Walker Award winner for his 2025 campaign, early projections have Love coming off the draft board within the first 10 picks of the draft.
While anything can happen, several experts expect the New Orleans Saints or Kansas City Chiefs to select him at pick No. 8 or 9, respectively. Love with the Chiefs just seems right -- and scary.
**Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame**
There could be a significant wait for the next running back to come off the board after a team selects Love. When that happens, expect that prospect to be another player from Notre Dame, Jadarian Price. Despite splitting carries with Love over the last two seasons, Price proved to be a dynamic running back in his own right. He finished the 2025 season with 11 rushing touchdowns and averaged six yards per carry.
Price was also effective as a kick return specialist, returning two kicks for scores, including a 100-yarder. He’s never been a solo act in the backfield, but he could be a sneaky Day 2 addition for a team in need of a versatile threat.
**Potential Lions Fits:**
**Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana**
During his final three seasons at Maryland, Roman Hemby showcased a glimpse of his overall talent. Transferring to Indiana for his final college season proved to be a smart decision, as he was a key piece of the Hoosiers backfield. Splitting carries with Kaelon Black, Hemby finished top 25 in the nation in rushing yards (1,120) to go along with seven touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Hemby’s production earned him Third-team All-Big Ten honors. Not to forget, helped propel the Hoosiers to the first national championship under the tough-nosed Curt Cignetti.
Hemby’s frame isn’t big (6 feet, 208 pounds), but overall, he’s a well-rounded back that could be useful after a bit of grooming from Petzing and Tashard Choice. Should he land with the Lions, expect him to be a Day 3 selection.
**Robert Henry Jr., RB, UTSA**
Robert Henry Jr. showcased steady improvement in each of his three seasons with the Roadrunners. His 2025 campaign saw him earn First-team All-American honors after he rushed for 1,045 yards – averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry – and nine touchdowns. At 5 feet 9, 205 pounds, Henry can play zone or gap schemes, which could be music to Petzing’s ears. Additionally, he has a knack for picking up the necessary yards in 2nd and long and 3rd and long situations.
Do not forget, he had five carries in 2025 that each went over 70 yards -- his explosiveness and playmaking ability in space should not be slept on.
**Sleepers to watch:**
**Desmond Reid, RB, Pittsburgh**
Due to a lower leg/ankle injury, Desmond Reid’s senior season did not mirror the production of his junior year at Pittsburgh -- and that’s putting it mildly. Add on to the fact he’s an undersized running back (5-foot-8, 175), all logic dictates the Lions should not look in his direction. However, realistically, this is quite the Brad Holmes pick. Reid’s 2024 campaign saw him log 1,545 scrimmage yards and nine scrimmage touchdowns, proving to be an effective weapon on the ground and in the passing game.
Factoring in the two seasons he played at Western Carolina, Reid averaged six yards per rush and roughly 12 yards per catch. He’s a strong guy for his size and appears to have some grit in his character; he’s tough to bring down and a problem in space. Early draft projections have Reid landing somewhere in the seventh round.
**CJ Donaldson, RB, Ohio State**
I expect the Lions to part ways with Kye Robichaux this offseason, leaving a void for a running back over six feet. At 6 feet 1, 234 pounds, CJ Donaldson is a big boy and a powerful runner. His production at West Virginia outshone his final collegiate season at Ohio State, where he split carries with Bo Jackson.
That said, throughout his entire college career, Donaldson has proved to be a threat in short-yardage and goal-line situations.