Don't Forget about Lions RB Jermar Jefferson

Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson has a chance to make 53-man roster.

The Detroit Lions' coaching staff is expecting the competition for the third running back position to be quite the battle. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell made a point this offseason to express to reporters that he wished running back Jermar Jefferson could have been called up at some point last season. 

Jefferson was selected by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

"Jefferson is one of the players that I wish we could’ve gotten up last year, because he was having such a good fall and yeah it’s practice squad, and you’re given looks. But, you’re also developing, and I thought he really grew throughout the year," Campbell noted. 

Mohamed Ibrahim and Craig Reynolds will provide tough competition, as the young running back looks to make the 53-man roster coming out of training camp. 

With David Montgomery sidelined throughout most of OTAs, Jefferson showcased solid speed and improved hands. 

"It just never, it never really came up to what was the best time or where we were roster-wise with the other halfbacks to -- but I thought he was really pretty close to (being) ready," said Campbell. "And, I wanted to get a look at him. So, it didn’t work out. But, I would say he’s picked up where he’s left off."

Detroit running backs coach Scottie Montgomery wants the team's running backs to be physical, a trait Jefferson can showcase when the pads come on during training camp later this month. 

"He’s having a good spring. And, I think though for somebody like Jefferson, he’s another guy, you’re going to feel a lot better when the pads come on," Campbell said. "That’s kind of his type of game, too. The style of runner that he is. But, he’s doing well. He’s doing well in special teams, too.”