Yardbarker
x
Lions' David Montgomery makes Jahmyr Gibbs prediction that should scare the NFL
Seattle Seahawks v Detroit Lions Nic Antaya/GettyImages

Since 2023, Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have formed one of the best duos in the NFL. The duo, which has developed the nicknames "Sonic" and "Knuckles," have taken the Lions to incredible heights over the last two seasons, including back-to-back NFC North titles and two playoff wins.

While Montgomery and Gibbs have shared carries over their time together in Detroit, it was Gibbs's last season that led the Lions in rushing. Montgomery was out for the final three games of the regular season with a torn MCL. Gibbs provided the most explosiveness on offense in the Lions' backfield, a s he was Detroit's leading rusher in 10 games last year.

Gibbs finished the Lions' 2024 regular season healthy, which was a year that featured a 15-2 record with 1,412 rushing yards and a league-best 16 touchdowns. Montgomery added 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games played.

Gibbs and Montgomery recently appeared on the Pivot Podcast, where the duo spoke about the Lions offense, the outlook for the 2025 season, and Dan Campbell's coaching philosophy. Montgomery spoke highly of Gibbs' future in the NFL.

Montgomery has high praise for Gibbs as a running back

"Jahmyr is if not now, will be the best running back in the league," said Montgomery.

Entering his third season in the NFL, Gibbs is definitely on the right track with over 2,000 career rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. Gibbs ranked fifth in the league last season in rushing behind Jonathan Taylor, Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley.

He has already made an argument that he is a top-five running back in the league, and as Henry and Saquon continue to age, Gibbs will continue to improve as a young running back. As of right now, though, it's hard to make an argument that he is better than Barkley and Henry.

READ MORE: Lions' special teams may give way for surprise additions to 53-man roster

Gibbs was in the same draft class as Robinson, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth overall pick in 2023. Two to three seasons from now, if all goes well for both running backs, both Robinson and Gibbs could be the best players at their position. Clearly, that class is shaping up to be quite a special one for running backs.

If he continues to shine in the regular season and leads the Lions to a Super Bowl, it'll be hard to argue against Gibbs being the best running back in the NFL.

More Lions news and analysis


This article first appeared on Side Lion Report and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!