Detroit Lions: 5 most interesting 2022 training camp battles

4. No. 3 Running Back

D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams (barring a shocking move to cut the latter) are entrenched as the Lions’ top two running backs. Craig Reynolds looked good when he got some run as the lead back for a couple games last season, but he will have some competition in camp to be the No. 3 back.

Godwin Igwebuike made the switch from safety to running back last offseason, and became the Lions’ primary kickoff returner and a core special teamer last season. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry in limited work at running back, but some ball security issues prevented him from taking a bigger role when there was an opportunity.

Jermar Jefferson barely played as a rookie last season, but he did find the end zone twice on 15 carries. Undrafted rookie Gregg Bell was clearly someoneone the Lions wanted to sign, based on the guaranteed money given to him, so he shouldn’t be overlooked.

Chris Burke of The Athletic has written he thinks Reynolds is closer to usurping Williams as the Lions’ No. 2 back than losing the No. 3 role to Igwebuike or someone else. But the battle for the spots on the depth chart after Swift and Williams will be interesting to watch no matter what.