NFC North running back rotations ranked from worst to best in 2023

2. Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Jemar Jefferson, Mohamed Ibrahim, Greg Bell

The Lions overhauled the running back position this offseason. They moved on from Jamaal Williams in free agency before trading D'Andre Swift during the draft.

They signed former Bears running back David Montgomery and then shocked the world by selecting Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall selection of the draft. Gibbs and Montgomery give the Lions a strong running back duo, but have they improved on last year?

Possibly, but Swift and Williams are tough to replace.

Swift averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season and contributed as a pass-catcher with 389 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Williams had a career year, rushing for 1,066 yards and a league-best 17 touchdowns. That's a lot of production to replace.

Did the Lions need to draft a running back as high as 12th overall while also signing a starter in free agency? Probably not.

But none of that matters in these rankings. Gibbs and Montgomery give the Lions an excellent running back duo, and they will have a significant role to play in an offense that loves to run the football. Behind a strong offensive line, they can both have excellent seasons.