Grading Lions' Selection of Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12
The Detroit Lions surprised their fanbase with the pick of Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall.
Going into the draft, it was believed that the only running back the Lions would take in the first round was Texas product Bijan Robinson.
Robinson, the consensus No. 1 back in this year's draft class, ended up going in the top 10, at No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons.
Prior to the draft, Gibbs had received a first-round grade from NFL Draft Bible. However, he was also left off the top 30 overall prospects list by a variety of draft pundits, including Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner.
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs
Andrew Wevers, USA TODAY Sports
The Crimson Tide back started off his career at Georgia Tech, spending his first two collegiate seasons with the Yellow Jackets.
In his final season with the Yellow Jackets in 2021, he totaled 746 yards and four scores on 143 carries, while adding another 465 yards and two scores on 35 catches.
Then, a year ago (in his lone campaign in Tuscaloosa), he produced a team-high 926 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on an Alabama-best 151 carries. He also led the Crimson Tide with 44 receptions, adding 444 yards and three scores as a receiver.
In three combined years with Georgia Tech and Alabama, Gibbs proved to be a multi-dimensional offensive weapon. In fact, he caught a combined 103 passes for 1,215 yards and eight scores in his time with the two programs.
He can run inside and outside, and possesses the traits of a three-down back. And, as NFL analyst Louis Riddick said during ESPN's broadcast of the draft Thursday, Gibbs is a "home-run hitter."
He also provides Detroit with a third impact back. He joins forces with free-agent acquisition David Montgomery and incumbent runner D'Andre Swift.
Yet, Gibbs was ultimately still a reach at No. 12. The Lions could've more than likely selected him at No. 18 overall, too, and could have even potentially traded all the way back to the end of the first round to select the Crimson Tide product.
It's why I can't give the selection any higher than a "C" grade.
