The Detroit Lions' 2025 draft didn't exactly go as fans expected. Despite the offense being in great shape and the defense playing a big part in the Lions' 2024 demise, it was the former that received plenty of help via rookie picks, like offensive lineman Tate Ratledge and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson leaving does represent a major blow for this team, though, so perhaps Dan Campbell and co. simply want some extra juice to help with the transition.
Detroit kept with that theme on Sunday by bringing in another weapon who has a penchant for getting into the endzone.
#Lions sign running back Kyle Robichaux to undrafted deal, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 27, 2025
NFL insider Aaron Wilson is reporting the Lions have signed running back Kyle Robichaux after the rookie went undrafted. He's the second RB Detroit has brought in during the UDFA rush, as Robichaux follows Ohio product Anthony Tyus III to the Motor City.
Even though Robichaux didn't hear his name called, that doesn't rule out him going on to succeed in the pros. He touts nice size at 6 feet and 217 pounds, which he used to rack up 18 touchdowns on the ground over the past two seasons at Boston College, in addition to a pair of campaigns over 740 rushing yards.
NFL Draft Diamonds notes that Robichaux is an impactful short-yardage back who's incredibly reliable with the ball in his hands. He does lack strong big-play potential, but he makes up for that with patience to find open running lanes and football IQ.
The fact that Robichaux projects as a change-of-pace bruiser at the next level makes it no surprise that the Lions sought him out. This is a team that's led the charge in the revival of the run game, and having not one but multiple backs who can wear down defenses has been key to this offense being one of the league's best.
Robichaux could slot in beautifully to that approach, given where his strengths are. Depth is vital for the Lions, considering how much they ask of their top two runners in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, especially since the latter already has a ton of miles (79 starts, 1,300 rushing attempts) on him since entering the league in 2019.
At the very least, Robichaux provides potential competition for, or even support behind, Craig Reynolds ahead of the 2025 season.