Lions work out one of Hendon Hooker's favorite targets from Tennessee

Small was with Hooker at Tennessee during Hooker's big 2022 season. Small was a big part of that offense, putting up 840 total yards and 15 touchdowns. 

Hooker wound up going pro, and Small stayed in Tennessee for an extra season, but he did not have the same success without Hooker. Small went undrafted in 2024 but was signed by the Tennessee Titans. 

He had a solid summer there and looked good against the Saints in the team's final preseason game. He spent the 2024 season on the Titans' practice squad but was never elevated. The Titans did sign him to a futures contract after the season, but waived him in May.

Now we wait to see if the Lions are interested in giving him a shot this summer. If so, he'll have to compete with Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki, Anthony Tyus, and Kye Robichaux if he hopes to carve out a spot on the roster. Our Volunteers beat writer, Zach Ragan, has given us some more insight into Small's game that shows it might be a long shot for him.

"Jabari Small is a bit undersized, and he doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s reliable in pass protection and he’s a capable receiver out of the backfield (despite his limited production at Tennessee, which doesn’t often utilize running backs as pass catchers). Small is a fringe NFL running back who could serve as a depth option. He just doesn’t have the size, speed, or burst to make a big impact on Sundays."