Jahmyr Gibbs saw his draft stock rise in recent weeks, and that culminated in him being selected with the No. 12 pick. The Lions have used their selection on the Alabama running back. 
After transferring from Georgia Tech, Gibbs put together a 1,370-yard, 10-touchdown season with the Crimson Tide. Almost a third of his total yards came in the receiving game, leading scouts to assume that he’ll serve in a Swiss Army Knife-type role in the NFL.
We’ve haven’t seen a single running back selected in the top 20 since 2018, and now Gibbs joins Bijan Robinson as the second prospect at the position to be selected in the top 12 tonight. While there have been some concerns regarding Gibbs’ 5-foot-11, 200-pound frame, he’ll now be a foundational piece on Detroit’s offense.
Gibbs was seen almost universally as the second-best back in the 2023 class, but recent reports indicated some NFL teams may have had him ranked higher than Robinson. In any case, it was assumed by the time tonight’s draft started that he would be a first-round lock. Most of the teams connected to Gibbs were slated to pick toward the end of the round, and in Detroit he will join a crowded backfield. Gibbs’ receiving chops were believed to have moved him, according to some teams, closer to Robinson. That pre-draft assessment of the backs’ draft stock turned out to be accurate.
The Lions have 2020 second-rounder D’Andre Swift in the fold, though he has struggled with injuries and generally failed to live up to expectations. Detroit inked David Montgomery on one of the most lucrative running back deals of free agency, a move which presumably set him up for the lead role. Gibbs should be able to establish himself as a pass catcher early on, though. His addition could lead to increased questions regarding Swift’s future in the Motor City, but in any event, the Lions’ rushing attack should be well-positioned for years to come.
WOW
Swift trade gotta be incoming
You’d have to think so; otherwise it doesn’t make alot of sense with Swift and Montgomery in the fold…
Gibbs can be a special back, but idk if he’s going tonbe able to run through the tackles in the NFL…
This is an incredibly curious pick by the Lions, they must have REALLY loved them some Gibbs..
Trade? Probably just a cut. Maybe a conditional 6th or 7th.
He has a 3rd or 4th round value for some playoff team
Wat???
Solid pick. Not spectacular, but solid.
So many guys that could help that D or at WR- Don’t get this one..
The guy who turned in the card must have gone rogue.
Horrible pick. Gibbs might a good back in the nfl, but he was a later round 1 or second round pick. Wasted pick. Holmes is taking all the credibility he built in the last two drafts and flushing it down the toilet. That was a Bob Quinn type of pick. I think I’m going to throw up.
Very likely could have been had with the 2nd Rd pick they got from AZ, if not their own.
They we’re talking on the radio that NE was targeting Gibbs, which is the reason they stood pat at 18. Sounds like the same Tavai story under Quinn.
Edit – 2 in 6 and none in 7.
Bob Quinn? Are you back in the Lion’s war room?
Reports are that Bob Quinn dressed incognito style and snuck into the NFL draft with fake credentials, replaced the Lion’s pick of Nolan Smith for Gibbs, then pranced off with his most diabolical and menacing Snidley Whiplash laugh.
Holmes is an utter idiot tonight. Up until now I had confidence in him but it’s all gone now. Total waste of a 1st round. Watch him draft a Kicker, long snapper and tight end in round 2…
The Lions better make some hay in round 2, because they don’t have any picks in rounds 3 or 4. After round 2, they have 3 picks in 5 and I believe 1 in 7.
Gibbs is better than Robinson. It’s a good pick. Detroit had the 2nd best night behind Houston IMHO.
Brad Holmes? Is that you?
I wouldn’t say the 2nd best night, but I certainly don’t believe it was all doom and gloom as some here do. The fact they took Gibbs when they did makes me think they had Robinson on their board. Gibbs is a touchdown waiting to happen. Swift is likely on his way out of town now. I would’ve preferred Smith over Campbell, but I don’t think he was a bad pick either. One of the Lions biggest needs was LB. It seemed to me that once Witherspoon was off the board, Detroit was happy to move back. I think they probably thought Robinson would still be there at 12 though.
Yeah, you’re probably right. That mid-range class of linebackers was pretty good this year. It’d be hard to do poorly.
I just don’t understand Robinson’s tape vs. Gibbs. Robinson is a very likable person, but I watch them both and Gibbs has more lateral speed, sublime tackle evasion and his vision for the field is superb. I think he’s also just generally faster than Robinson regardless of combine numbers.
Just putting it this way, if I had my choice for either to kick return a ball, I’d take Gibbs in a heartbeat.
He’s a solid pick and I don’t think that much of a reach.
As for Campbell, Iowa tends to provide solid picks that adjust to the NFL well (Wirfs, Epanesa). I don’t think Detroit will think poorly of these picks come next fall.
Very disappointing 1st round for Detroit. They channeled their inner SOL throwback draft. Only a TE at 18 would have made it more disappointing.
Round 1, No. 12: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB (Alabama)
Round 1, No. 18: Jack Campbell, LB (Iowa)
Round 2, No. 34 (from Cardinals):
Round 2, No. 48:
Round 2, No. 55 (from Vikings):
Round 5, No. 152:
Round 5, No. 159 (from Falcons through Jaguars):
Round 5, No. 168 (from Cardinals):
Round 6, No. 183 (from Broncos):
Round 6, No. 194:
Hoping we have a better Day 2 draft. All the talk this offseason about need to improve the sorry a$$ defense and first selection is a RB. My jaw dropped when they called Gibbs name at 12. He must be replacing Swift, Montgomery just got on the squad. I like Jack Campbell but at 18 that felt a little high. We did pick up an early Day 2 pick at #34 lets see what we can do, still need: DL/EDGE, TE, S, IOL and CB .
Still Available
CB Joey Porter Jr.
S Brian Branch
TE Michael Mayer
Edge BJ Ojulari
OG O’Cyrus Torrence
Lets try to get at least 1 that we need.
Relax people.
Thanks, Aaron Rogers.
Did you throw up, drama queen?