Good News for the Detroit Lions as the Season Approaches

The Detroit Lions, like almost every other NFL team, are in dire need of some positive news. Since the Lions are starting a new season without their veteran offensive and defensive coordinators, positive news is crucial in this circumstance. Hopefully, Dan Campbell won’t be unable to handle it. In any case, the Lions have a strong group of returning players for the 2025–26 campaign, and the more talented these players are, the more likely it is that the team will make it to the championship game for the first time in its history.

Since the NFL is still in the offseason and the 2025–26 season is still two months away, now is a good opportunity to see which players are returning to the NFL and rank them. Knowing how many top-ranked players are still on a squad helps you get a sense of how they play. It’s fantastic to see a Lions star so high on the list of NFL players ranked as the greatest in a single position by an NFL analyst prior of the season.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rate the league’s top 10 running backs in a July 7 piece. One Lions running back was recognized as one of the league’s top players. In the article, Fowler said, “Rushing success stories were all over the NFL map.” “Philly’s running back inspired a run to the Super Bowl.” The Ravens’ attack was totally transformed by the running back in Baltimore. Additionally, young backs in Atlanta and Detroit had incredible star power.

And the honor is well-earned. With 20 running touchdowns in 2024, Gibbs led the NFL. Fowler writes, “According to an NFC scout, Gibbs’ raw speed at 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds can ‘flip the game upside down’ on one play.” And last season, he had the most yards per touch (6.4) of any player with 250 touches in a season in the previous ten years.

Size will always be a bit more of a problem with Gibbs, but his speed, instincts, and ability to impact the game are a problem and may be the best in the league, according to an AFC executive who described Gibbs as “a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little bit more power.” Watching Gibbs and David Montgomery this season will be a delight. The excitement is growing.

“The Lions have a new offensive coordinator and new running back coach, which could lead to an increase in chances for Gibbs, pushing him closer to the top of the fantasy draft board,” according to PFF’s 2025 fantasy football running back rankings, which also put Gibbs at number two.