Welcome to the dead zone Detroit Lions fans. OTA's and Mandatory mini camp are over and for the next few weeks, things are going to be quiet in Lions land as we prepare for the start of training camp.

As we make our way towards camp, we're going to do a deep dive into the Lions entire roster. We'll be doing it section by section and player by player and go over the expectations for each player going into camp.

So far we've already covered interior defensive linemen, edge rushers linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, offensive line, tight ends and receivers. Today we'll be talking about the running backs. 

David Montgomery

The loss of Jamaal Williams was a tough one from the standpoint of leadership and the fact that everyone loved that guy. He was truly the heart and soul of the Lions. With that said, it's hard to argue against the idea that the Lions got an upgrade with former Bears running back David Montgomery. 

The camp expectation is that he quickly shows everyone that. Montgomery is fully expected to be the lead dog in this backfield. Look for him to take advantage of working with the best offensive line he's ever worked with in route to putting up some big runs. 

Jahmyr Gibbs

The expectations for the 12th overall pick are simple. Get acclimated to the NFL game and be ready to hit as many home runs as you can.

Gibbs is likely to be everywhere on this offense. He can both run the ball and catch the ball with success. That could place a lot of pressure on the young rookie. Even if it's something he's used to doing at Alabama. I think he should be fine. We did a much deeper dive into what to expect from Gibbs last week. Check it out here. 

Mohamed Ibrahim

I have made tons of noise about this kid since the Lions grabbed him as an undrafted rookie shortly after day three of the NFL draft had concluded. I think he brings an ability to the goal line and short yardage situations that isn't already on the team. 

The camp expectation is that he proved me right and he beats out both Jermar Jefferson and Craig Reynolds for the third running back spot. He's going to have show what he can do once those pads get on and I think he will.

Craig Reynolds

Reynolds is the only real incumbent running back on this team after the Lions went out and redid their back field this offseason. That incumbency might not be enough for him to make sure that he can stay on this roster. 

Reynolds camp expectation is that he shows that a not so great season is in his rearview and he's ready to go out and show some of the stuff that had Lions fans falling in love with him during the second half of the 2021 season. There's presumed to be a fourth running back spot, Reynolds will have to battle with this man for it. 

Jermar Jefferson

We've been waiting to see of the Lions seventh round pick from the 2021 draft can go out and carve a roster sport out for himself. It seems like Jermar Jefferson is ready to do that after looking good at OTA's and mini camp. 

The expectation is that he gives it everything he's got in challenging both Craig Reynolds and Mohamed Ibrahim for their respective spots. Jefferson can be pretty shifty out there, it would be nice for the Lions to have another back with that ability on the roster. This battle is going to be fun.

Lions camp battles: Can Craig Reynolds hold onto his spot?

There’s a real battle heating up at RB3

Featured image by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK