5 Running Backs Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine
The Detroit Lions revamped their backfield ahead of the 2023 season, and the results were sparkling.
Together, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery took Detroit's run game to new heights. Montgomery surpassed 1,000 yards while Gibbs finished just short.
With the top two starting positions locked in, the Lions could add depth at the position. Craig Reynolds is the incumbent third option, but Detroit has expressed the desire to add competition at every position.
Here are five running backs the Lions should consider scouting at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Allen burst onto the scene as a freshman with the Badgers, with 1,268 rushing yards in his first campaign. That set the tone for a three-year career in which he came up just short of 3,500 total yards on the ground.
At 6-foot-2, he has rare size for the position. He uses this to his advantage, as he has good balance. Allen also had increased production in the passing game over his three seasons, going from eight catches as a freshman to 28 in his final campaign.
Still, he has room to grow in that aspect of his game. Additionally, he didn't have the best showing in pass protection.
He's a power runner, though, and is strong enough to handle the tough workload in an effort to spell Montgomery and Gibbs.
Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Formerly a backup to Allen, Guerendo transferred to Louisville in 2023 and made the most of his season as a starter. After getting just 99 carries in four years at Wisconsin, he rushed for 810 yards on 132 carries with the Cardinals.
He proved to have good vision and be explosive in his extended opportunity. Additionally, he is another prospect with a physical build who can handle the difficult workload.
Because Guerendo doesn't have the mileage that other experienced prospects have, he could also be more durable in long-term. He brings an element of burst along with a physical running style that would fit the Lions' play style.
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
One of the more intriguing small school prospects in the Draft is Laube, who got on national radars for an outstanding performance against Central Michigan in 2023. He had 371 all-purpose yards in that game, including 295 receiving yards.
Against Stonehill, Laube scored on a punt return, a reception and a run in the first quarter. The FCS product has an electric skill set and has the ability to contribute at a high level both on the ground and through the air.
Whereas other running backs are more physical, Laube has the ability to be a change-of-pace and be a threat out of the backfield as a receiver. If Detroit is searching for explosive options to add to their offense, he's an under-the-radar option that could contribute right away.
Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
The son of an NFL standout, there's a lot to like about what Gore brings from a pedigree standpoint. However, his talent has been on full display as well with back-to-back 1,000-plus yard seasons.
He has superb vision and does a good job finding the open cut lanes. Despite being 5-foot-8, he packs a punch as a runner and is very physical.
Gore is another player who doesn't have as much production as a pass-catcher, but he improved in that aspect over his four seasons.
Bucky Irving, Oregon
After spending a year at Minnesota, Irving transferred to Oregon and enjoyed back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He was a key part of the team's explosive offense, as he also contributed as a pass-catcher.
Irving has breakaway speed and excellent agility, which allows him to hit cutback lanes and out run defenders at the second level. Pro Football Focus credited him with at least 63 missed tackles forced each of the last two seasons.
He also had 87 receptions over the last two campaigns, a sign of his multi-faceted contribution ability.
