Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the text, keeping the same number of words and paragraphs

The Detroit Lions have a reason to smile as they gear up for the 2025-26 NFL campaign, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Like many teams in the league, positive developments are welcome for the Detroit Lions. In their case, optimism is especially important, since they’ll be starting the season without their longtime offensive and defensive play-callers.

Hopefully, head coach Dan Campbell can manage the shift. Regardless, the Lions are bringing back a talented core of players, and the stronger their roster performs, the better shot they have at finally making their first Super Bowl appearance.

With the 2025-26 season still roughly two months away and the league still in offseason mode, it’s a good moment to assess the talent returning to the league. Knowing how many top-ranked players a team has gives a clearer picture of their outlook. Recently, one NFL analyst ranked a key position across the league, and a Lions standout received high praise.

On July 7, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released a feature where he surveyed NFL coaches, scouts, and executives to rank the league’s top 10 running backs going into the 2025-26 season. A Lions rusher landed among the top names in the NFL.

“Great rushing seasons came from all over,” Fowler wrote. “Philadelphia’s back drove a title run. Baltimore’s rusher revamped their offense. And emerging stars in Detroit and Atlanta flashed elite potential.”

Jahmyr Gibbs came in ranked No. 3 overall, just behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. For a third-year back, it’s a significant achievement to be ranked so highly on the list.

And the recognition is well-deserved. In 2024, Gibbs led the league with 20 rushing scores. Fowler noted, “At 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, Gibbs’ breakaway speed can change everything in a flash,” per one NFC scout. His 6.4 yards per touch led all players with 250+ touches in a season for the last 10 years.

An AFC executive compared him to “a more powerful Reggie Bush,” and added, “While his size is still a concern, his quickness, vision, and game-breaking ability might be unmatched in the league.”

Fans can’t wait to see the duo of Gibbs and David Montgomery in action this year. Excitement is rising.

Additionally, PFF’s 2025 fantasy football RB rankings place Gibbs second overall, writing, “With a new OC and new RB coach, Gibbs could see more opportunities, which might elevate him atop fantasy draft boards.”