Jahmyr Gibbs 'Shocked' to be Drafted No. 12 Overall
The Detroit Lions stunned plenty with their decision to draft Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Among those surprised was Gibbs himself.
Prior to Gibbs' selection, Texas' Bijan Robinson became the first running back selected in the top 20 since Saquon Barkley was picked second overall in 2018.
"Yeah, I felt great," Gibbs said. "Didn't know I was gonna get picked as high as I did, because running backs don't really get picked this high in this new age, new era of the NFL Draft. Yeah, it was pretty shocking to me, but I'm grateful for the city of Detroit."
He later told reporters he believed he would be selected in the 20's. The rookie said he was talking with friends when he received the news that the Lions were drafting him.
"I was shocked," Gibbs reiterated.
He boosted his draft stock by transferring to Alabama for his final collegiate season. In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, he rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Georgia Tech transfer is also an established threat out of the backfield. In three college seasons, he caught 103 passes for 1,212 yards and eight touchdowns.
He joins a Lions running back room that already features established players in D'Andre Swift and David Montgomery.
"They have great backs on the team already, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Swift, (Jameson Williams)," the running back said. "Quarterback Jared Goff, he's a vet, he knows what he's doing. Everybody knows what they're doing. I think I could bring another element to that team and we could be the best offense in the league."
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was creative in his usage of the Lions' backfield last season. This creates an intriguing dynamic, with the rookie now in the fold.
"We had great conversations about how versatile I was, different ways they could use me," Gibbs explained. "Like, different ways they could get me the ball, too. All the conversations we had was great. I really got along with the coaches well."
The latest of Detroit's youthful additions to the offense, the running back is set to contribute to Johnson's scheme in unique ways.
Among the other young talents is fellow Alabama product Jameson Williams, who was drafted No. 12 overall in 2022.
"Speed kills," Gibbs said. "With me and (Williams) both on the field, it's kind of pick your poison, like what do you want to do? Because we can both make explosive plays in the pass game and run game."
