After the Detroit Lions traded down with the Arizona Cardinals, it was going to be interesting to see what direction the Lions would go towards. Still, I don’t think anyone saw this one coming.
Some might call this a surprising pick, but the Lions beefed up their offensive weapons and selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall selection.
With this selection, the Lions running back corps turns into a crowded room, with D’Andre Swift and free-agent acquisition David Montgomery. It might beg into question Swift’s future in Detroit, considering the redundant skill sets between him and Gibbs, but we will have to see how it plays out.
Gibbs’ football career has been stellar ever since he played in high school and was named Georgia’s Mr. Football after he rushed for over 2,500 yards and 40 touchdowns his senior year. Like many past Brad Holmes selections, Gibbs was a multiple sport athlete throughout high school, dipping his heels in basketball and track, which you can see easily translated on the field.
The selection might be hard to get on board with, considering the diminished value of running backs in the league, but there is no disputing the impact Gibbs can bring to the Lions offense. He not only can be a home run threat on the ground, but he also brings a very strong skill set to the receiving department as he led Alabama in rushing (926 yards) and catches (44). He was responsible for ten touchdowns in the Crimson Tide offense. In addition, he was a threat on offense and brought the skill set on special teams as he led Alabama in return yards and averaged 135.7 yards in all-purpose yards.
The size might not be ideal for Gibbs, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for explosiveness, vision, and pass-catching and be an all-purpose weapon for Ben Johnson’s offense. He can hit the gaps and take off like a bullet from a gun, making the possibilities endless, especially with former/current teammate Jameson Williams equally fast.
Some might not agree with the value and the number of resources thrown at the running back group this season, but it’s hard to imagine the offensive possibilities with Gibbs in the mix. The electricity Gibbs can bring is nothing short of dynamic, as his playmaking abilities could be endless. The Lions offense will take that next step forward and should be fun to watch.
Grade: B
