The Washington Commanders fell to the Detroit Lions 36-27 during Week 2 of the NFL Season from Ford Field, Detroit, MI, September, 18th, 2022. (All-Pro Reels / Joe Glorioso)
Jahmyr Gibbs’ genius and the Detroit Lions’ correctness in drafting him represents a fascinating intersection of talent evaluation, team-building philosophy, and strategic foresight. The Detroit Lions’ decision to select Gibbs in the 2023 NFL Draft, despite some initial surprise from analysts and fans, has turned out to be not only a brilliant move in terms of the player’s abilities but also a statement about the franchise’s broader vision. Gibbs exemplifies a new era of running back in the NFL, and the Lions have shown an exceptional understanding of how to use his unique skill set to its fullest potential.
The Detroit Lions’ Rebuilding Era and the Need for Innovation
To understand the significance of the Lions’ selection of Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s crucial to examine the broader context of the franchise’s rebuilding efforts. For years, the Lions struggled to find consistent success, mired by coaching changes, organizational instability, and a lack of offensive identity. However, the appointment of head coach Dan Campbell in 2021 marked a paradigm shift. Campbell, with his gritty and aggressive persona, infused the team with a renewed sense of toughness and discipline, but also with a forward-thinking vision.
The 2023 season was a pivotal one for the Lions. They had shown significant improvements in 2022, making the playoffs a realistic target for the following year. This was a team that needed to take the next step, not only in terms of roster talent but also in its offensive philosophy. The Lions were already equipped with an emerging star quarterback in Jared Goff, a solid offensive line, and an elite wide receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown. What they needed was a dynamic weapon to complement this already potent offense—a player capable of creating mismatches, stretching defenses, and adding a new layer to the team’s attack.
While most teams in the NFL still view running back as a position that can be easily replaced through mid-round draft picks or free agency, the Lions saw something different in Gibbs. They understood the changing landscape of the NFL running back, where skill sets and versatility were becoming just as important as traditional rushing ability.
Jahmyr Gibbs: A Unique Talent
Jahmyr Gibbs, drafted 12th overall by the Lions, was not your typical running back. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 199 pounds, he doesn’t possess the bruising, between-the-tackles size that many NFL running backs traditionally have. Instead, Gibbs boasts elite speed, excellent vision, and a multifaceted skill set that makes him a weapon in both the running and passing game. His ability to line up as a traditional running back, in the slot, or even as a wide receiver makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators to scheme against.
Gibbs’ speed is perhaps his most obvious asset. His 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine turned heads, but his quickness is more than just straight-line speed. He possesses superb agility, allowing him to make defenders miss in tight spaces and weave his way through traffic. Additionally, his ability to cut on a dime while maintaining his acceleration allows him to take full advantage of the blocking in front of him.
His hands are another critical factor in his value. During his time at Alabama, Gibbs proved himself to be a proficient receiver out of the backfield, catching passes with ease and displaying a knack for gaining extra yards after the catch. In a league where the passing game is king, running backs who can act as both a rusher and a receiver have become invaluable commodities. Gibbs not only fills that mold but exceeds it by offering a higher ceiling in terms of route-running ability and separation.
Furthermore, Gibbs is not merely a speedster; he has a natural feel for the game. His vision and patience allow him to read blocks and anticipate running lanes with an almost uncanny precision. When combined with his burst, this allows him to be a versatile threat in both the inside and outside zones.
The Modern NFL and the Need for a Dual-Threat Running Back
The NFL’s offensive evolution over the past decade has favored versatility, and running backs are no exception to this trend. Traditionally, running backs were viewed primarily as between-the-tackles grinders, often taking a beating over the course of a season and eventually getting worn down. However, the success of pass-catching backs like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Austin Ekeler has changed the narrative around the position.
In the modern NFL, running backs are expected to be versatile weapons—players who can contribute in a multitude of ways. The days of “early-down thumpers” and “third-down scatbacks” are dwindling. Teams want running backs who can line up anywhere and do everything. Gibbs is the epitome of this modern running back prototype.
What makes Gibbs particularly special is that he brings elite receiving skills to the table without sacrificing his ability as a rusher. While some running backs are capable receivers but lack the vision or quickness to excel on the ground, Gibbs has both qualities in spades. His ability to line up in the backfield, motion into the slot, or even outside as a wide receiver creates constant mismatches. This ability to wear multiple hats makes him a difficult player to defend against, as opposing defenses can never predict where he will be or how he will be utilized.
For a team like the Detroit Lions, which values innovation on offense, Gibbs’ ability to provide dynamic playmaking across different facets of the game was too tempting to pass up. Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions have implemented a scheme designed to maximize the strengths of their playmakers, and Gibbs fits perfectly into that system. The offense is built to take advantage of mismatches, and Gibbs offers a unique skill set that can stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, opening up opportunities for other players on the team.
The Detroit Lions’ Vision and Future with Gibbs
In choosing Gibbs at 12th overall, the Lions demonstrated a rare level of foresight. While many considered the selection of a running back so high in the first round a luxury pick, the team viewed it as a necessity. The Lions didn’t just need a running back; they needed an explosive, multifaceted weapon that could take their offense to the next level.
The drafting of Gibbs, in many ways, signals the beginning of a new era for the Lions. They have a clear vision for how they want to build their offense around speed, versatility, and playmaking. With Gibbs as the centerpiece of the backfield, they now have the flexibility to deploy a variety of offensive sets and plays. They can utilize him in motion to create mismatches, or they can hand him the ball and trust him to break through the line and make a big play. Either way, the Lions have a dynamic piece that can be used in an infinite number of ways.
Additionally, Gibbs represents an investment in the future. While traditional running backs often have shorter shelf lives due to the physical demands of the position, players like Gibbs—who are capable of contributing significantly in the passing game—can have longer careers and more sustained impact. As offenses continue to evolve, running backs like Gibbs will become even more valuable. In many ways, the Lions are ahead of the curve in recognizing the importance of this evolution.
The success of the Lions in 2023 will be a direct reflection of how well they integrate Gibbs into their offensive scheme. His ability to stretch defenses, create big plays, and contribute as a receiver will open up even more opportunities for Goff and St. Brown, creating a balanced, dynamic, and unpredictable attack. If the Lions can build around Gibbs and continue to develop his skills, they could easily become one of the league’s most potent offenses.
