After falling short in the NFL playoffs last season, the Detroit Lions will look to reload in the 2025 NFL Draft this week. The Lions didn’t make many splash free agent signings, outside of CB D.J. Reed.
In fact, most of Detroit’s moves this offseason were re-signing many of their players from last year’s team to extensions and one-year deals. Therefore, fans expect them to add instant contributors with their seven picks.
Many fans want to see the Lions add a rookie pass rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson and possibly a linebacker in the draft. However, Detroit is doing some last-minute homework on a big-name running back prospect just days before the NFL’s three-day extravaganza starts on Thursday.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Lions and the Arizona Cardinals are bringing in former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo.
The Lions aren’t in desperate need of another running back as they have the dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, and Sione Vaki, who they took in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, you can’t blame head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes for doing their homework on Skattebo, who had an outstanding 2024 season with the Sun Devils.
Last season, Skattebo took the college football world by storm as he helped Arizona State win the Big 12 and punch their ticket to the college football playoff.
The 5-foot-9 running back had 1,711 rushing yards (second-most in the NCAA and first in the Big 12) and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries. He also showcased his pass-catching abilities, bringing in 45 receptions for 605 yards and three touchdowns.
Skattebo is a physical running back who can run between the tackles, while being effective in short-yard and goal-line situations. The former Arizona State running back likely won’t be taken in the first two days of the NFL draft, but could be selected early on Day 3.
Detroit currently has four picks on Day 3 of the draft, leaving the option that they could take Skattebo or another running back. The Lions’ only other Top-30 running back visit was with UC-Davis standout Lan Larison.