Detroit Lions 2026 Running Back Mock Draft

My series of single-position mock drafts for the Detroit Lions marches on. With the NFL Scouting Combine about to begin, my goal is to familiarize readers with 2026 draftees I would love the Lions to select. Detroit’s roster has more holes now than in the past few seasons, and the draft offers plenty of opportunity to make upgrades and add depth. Defensively, I have already covered safeties, cornerbacks, linebackers, and edge rushers. I will be creating one for defensive tackles in the near future. On offense, I have drafted wide receivers, tackles, and interior linemen. Be on the lookout for my upcoming tight end mock. Right now, let’s focus on another set of skill players. Welcome to my 2026 Detroit Lions Running Back Mock Draft.

Who Will Be Jahmyr Gibbs’ Backfield Mates In 2026?

Jahmyr Gibbs is special. He is the type of player who can carry the Lions on his back and will them to victory even when the rest of the team is having an off-day. For the past three seasons, Gibbs and David Montgomery have given Detroit the best backfield in the NFL. Unfortunately, “Sonic and Knuckles’” time together may be nearing its end. Montgomery’s role significantly decreased in 2025, and GM Brad Holmes has openly discussed the possibility of the Lions moving on from him. You can check out my thoughts about D-Mo here.

If Montgomery leaves, that will open up plenty of snaps and touches for other RBs, as the Lions will certainly not want to overload Gibbs. But who will earn those touches? The Lions’ longtime RB3, Craig Reynolds, was poached by the New England Patriots. Sione Vaki, a Detroit 2024 fourth-round pick, has had difficulty staying healthy and is primarily used on Special Teams.

Would the Lions really use a high draft pick on a Running Back? I wouldn’t think so, but Brad Holmes shocked everybody when he drafted Gibbs 12th overall in 2023. The Lions GM has proven that he doesn’t care what other people think. He will get the guys he wants, regardless of perceived need or positional value. So let’s find some RBs that might tempt the Lions on draft night:

Round 1, Pick 17: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The only way Jeremiyah Love makes it to pick 17 would be if he has a Laremy Tunsil-type moment right before the draft. Love probably won’t get past the Chiefs at pick nine. But it’s fun to muse about him joining the Lions. Pairing Love with Gibbs just wouldn’t be fair. The Notre Dame standout is one of the most complete backs to enter the NFL this decade. The 6-foot, 214-pound Doak Walker Award winner has blazing 4.4 speed, is a premier weapon catching passes (like Gibbs), and has elite vision and patience. Adding Love would give the Lions an offense only found in Madden games. There is no other Running Back I would even consider in the first round.

Round 2, Pick 50: Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Don’t let Jardarian Price’s role as RB2 in college fool you: Price is a monster. Sharing a backfield with Love, the explosive back still racked up 674 rushing yards (6.0 YPC)  and 15 total TDs (including two kickoff returns) in 2025. Using his 4.38 speed, Price averaged 37.5 YPR on kickoffs and would give the Lions the top-end returner they have lacked for years. In the backfield, the ultra-smooth Price would be a perfect complement to Gibbs. The patient, instinctual RB would allow the Lions’ offense not to skip a beat if David Montgomery leaves.

Round 4, Pick 118: Kaytron Allen, Penn State

Kaytron Allen would be a perfect fit for Detroit. The bruiser from Penn State is very similar to Montgomery, which would lead to a seamless transition. Allen, the 5’11, 220-pound bruiser, is a crackle-breaking machine who has excellent balance. For Penn State, Allen ended his 2025 campaign with 1303 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. The Third-Team AP All-American is excellent in pass-blocking, like Montgomery, and excels in picking up the short, tough yards. The powerful Allen could take on a significant role right away, allowing Gibbs to stay fresh throughout the season. Losing David Montgomery would hurt, but Allen is the closest back to him in the draft. Drafting Allen makes a lot of sense. He would be an excellent choice for the Lions with this pick.

Round 5, Pick 155: Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas

Another physical, downhill runner, Washington Jr., combines a massive frame (6’2, 228 pounds) with impressive speed (4-45-4.5 forty). With the ability to punish defenders, the Razorback would be an asset for Detroit from day one. Despite his size, Washington Jr. can make quick jump cuts and start/stop on a dime. A natural receiver with soft hands, the agile back offers a well-rounded skill set. However, his 10 career fumbles in college are highly concerning and need drastic improvement before he can fully gain his coach’s trust in the NFL. Shoring up his ball-security and pass-protection technique will help Washington Jr. reach his ceiling. If developed correctly, he could become an impact player for the Lions’ offense.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Roman Hemby, Indiana

Hemby, who transferred to Indiana from Maryland, is a reliable and versatile running back. Fresh off a National Championship season with the Hoosiers, the 6-foot, 210-pounder enters the NFL Draft on a high note. One of the premier receiving backs in this class, Hemby can quickly carve out a role in Detroit. He shows quality vision and patiently waits for holes to open. In his three years as a starter, Hemby only fumbled once. Needing to add strength to improve breaking tackles and pushing the pile forward, it will take time for him to become a reliable contributor. However, Hemby can provide productive depth and hopefully develop into something more in the future.

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Noah Whittington, Oregon

Whittington, the 5’8, 203-pound prospect out of Oregon, can come to the Lions and serve as a change-of-pace back. With 4.41 speed, the agile Whittington can make the Lions’ roster and be Detroit’s new kick/punt returner. Similar to Buffalo’s Ray Davis, he can give the offense some pop whenever Jahmyr Gibbs needs a breather. Whittington’s low center of gravity allows him to run through arm tackles, while his jump-cutting prowess enables him to escape congested areas. Whittington doesn’t project to be a bell-cow running back, but he can provide the Lions with a capable backup while adding value as a returner.

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh

One of my favorite players in the entire draft, Desmond Reid, is an explosive playmaker who brings excitement with the ball in his hands. As a versatile all-purpose back, Reid excels as a receiver, and his 4.38 speed would give the Lions another burner on offense. At only 5’8 and 180 pounds, Reid comes with durability issues and can’t be depended upon as a pass-blocker. Get him the ball in space, though, and fireworks can happen. Reid’s game-breaking ability would be a fantastic lottery ticket for Detroit to buy at the end of the draft. If Reid stays consistently healthy, he will give the Lions plenty of highlight-reel plays. I would absolutely love to see Desmond Reid become a Detroit Lion.

Running back sure is a sexy position to make an entire mock draft for. What do you think of my selections? Drop some comments below. Do you think the Lions will entertain the idea of spending a high pick on a back to pair with Gibbs? What do you think will happen with David Montgomery? Let me know. Also, stay tuned for upcoming mocks for tight ends and defensive tackles.

(Note: Picks are subject to change, as the NFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)