Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell has emphatic review of RB on the roster bubble

Mike Moraitis

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Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell has emphatic review of RB on the roster bubble image

As the Detroit Lions sort through their options at running back behind the top-two options in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, former seventh-round pick and fellow back, Jermar Jefferson, has flown under the radar.

Jefferson remains an underdog for a roster spot thanks to the presence of Sione Vaki and Craig Reynolds, but it's not for a lack of trying. Jefferson has managed to stand out in practice this offseason, something Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman touched on recently.

"My number one standout from the group (on Thursday) in all facets was Jermar Jefferson," Reisman wrote. "The fourth-year running back has a long way to go to earn a roster spot, but I had him with big wins in each facet—and against starting-level talent. He juked Ifeatu Melifonwu (who is typically quite strong in open-field tackling drills) out of his shoes, he absolutely stonewalled Jack Campbell in a pass protection rep, and he cleanly beat Derrick Barnes in coverage for an easy route win. Most importantly, Jefferson’s play carried over to team drills, where he made a few plays on situational downs."

Before practice on Friday, head coach Dan Campbell had an emphatic review of how Jefferson has looked this offseason, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.

"Jefferson is in a really good place right now," Campbell said. "Really good place."

But Campbell didn't stop there. As a reporter began asking another question, Campbell interrupted to reiterate his positive review of Jefferson.

Unfortunately for Jefferson, both Reynolds and Vaki have been good, also, and they remain the favorites to grab the two running back spots behind Gibbs and Montgomery, assuming the Lions carry four.

So, there might be nothing Jefferson can do to earn a roster spot in Detroit, but he could parlay his impressive offseason showing into a job elsewhere. At the very least, he should land a spot on Detroit's practice squad.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.