Jahmyr Gibbs Draft, Revisited: Explaining Criticism Aimed at Lions for Controversial RB Pick
The 2023 NFL Draft marked an important event for the Detroit Lions, one that included several notable selections and a key trade that reshaped the future of the franchise. However, it was one pick in particular that created controversy and drew sharp criticism from analysts, pundits, and fans alike: the Lions’ decision to select running back Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama with the 12th overall pick.
The Lions were seen as having a strong draft class after acquiring key pieces to bolster both their offense and defense. However, the selection of Gibbs raised eyebrows for several reasons, primarily because of the position he plays—running back. The NFL has seen a shift in recent years, with many analysts arguing that taking a running back in the first round is no longer a valuable investment due to the way offenses have evolved and the devaluation of the position. Additionally, the Lions already had a talented running back in D’Andre Swift, who was expected to take on a prominent role.
In this article, we will revisit the controversy surrounding the selection of Jahmyr Gibbs by the Detroit Lions, explain why the pick received criticism, and analyze the possible long-term impact of the move. Additionally, we will explore the rationale behind the pick, taking into account the Lions’ roster needs, the player’s potential, and what this selection means for the team’s future.
The Controversial Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12
Jahmyr Gibbs, a standout running back from the University of Alabama, was considered one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football during the 2022 season. With excellent speed, quickness, and receiving ability, Gibbs drew comparisons to some of the most dynamic players in the league, and many analysts believed he had the potential to become a star at the next level. Despite his undeniable talent, the decision by the Lions to select him at the 12th overall pick was seen as controversial for several reasons.
The Running Back Debate: Is It Wise to Draft One Early?
In recent years, the NFL has moved away from heavily investing in running backs in the first round of the draft. This shift has been influenced by several factors:
- Short Shelf Life for Running Backs: Running backs, particularly those who take on heavy workloads, often experience a sharp decline in performance as they reach the later years of their careers. The wear and tear that comes with the position makes it a risk for teams to invest in a high-priced, long-term contract for a running back.
- Success with Late-Round Picks: Over the past decade, teams have seen success in drafting running backs in later rounds, with players like Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, and David Montgomery (who was with the Lions in 2022 before being signed by Detroit in free agency) all proving to be valuable contributors despite being selected outside of the first round. This has led to the belief that teams can find quality running backs later in the draft without spending a premium pick on the position.
- Shift Toward Passing Offenses: The NFL has evolved into a pass-heavy league, with teams leaning more on the passing game to move the ball down the field. This has lessened the need for a top-tier running back to carry the load in the same way that a workhorse back once did. As a result, teams have begun to prioritize positions like wide receiver, quarterback, and cornerback in the first round over running back.
For these reasons, critics argued that the Lions made a mistake by drafting Gibbs so early, especially given the abundance of talent available at other positions. While running backs have still managed to make an impact in the NFL, the consensus among many analysts was that drafting one in the first round, especially at No. 12 overall, was an inefficient use of resources.
The Lions’ Rationale: Why Select Gibbs at No. 12?
While the decision to draft Gibbs was controversial, the Lions had a clear rationale behind the pick. To understand the team’s thought process, we need to consider their strategy for the 2023 season and beyond.
- Improving the Offense: The Detroit Lions had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL during the 2022 season, but they were still in search of ways to improve. The team finished in the top five in total yards and points per game, but they were somewhat inconsistent in their running game, especially when it came to breaking off big plays. Gibbs, who is known for his exceptional speed and playmaking ability, was viewed as a player who could add another dimension to the offense. His ability to make defenders miss, catch passes out of the backfield, and create explosive plays on the ground made him an attractive option for the Lions.
- Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson’s Scheme: The Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, had proven to be a creative and innovative mind in his first season in Detroit. Johnson’s offense relies heavily on a balanced attack, where the running back is involved in both the rushing and passing games. Gibbs was seen as a perfect fit for this scheme due to his versatility. While many believed the Lions could have found similar production with a later-round running back, the team clearly valued Gibbs’ unique skill set and his ability to complement their existing weapons, including quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
- Gibbs’ Talent and Upside: Jahmyr Gibbs was considered one of the most talented players in the 2023 draft class, and his combination of speed, agility, and receiving ability set him apart from other running backs. At Alabama, he demonstrated the ability to be a dual-threat back, excelling as both a rusher and a pass-catcher. He is also known for his high football IQ and his ability to pick up blitzes, which made him an attractive option for teams looking to add a dynamic player to their backfield. The Lions saw Gibbs as a potential game-changer who could be a key piece of their offense for years to come.
- D’Andre Swift’s Future in Detroit: Another factor that influenced the Lions’ decision was the uncertain future of running back D’Andre Swift. Swift had shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Detroit, but injuries and inconsistency had plagued his career. In 2022, Swift played in only 14 games and struggled to find his rhythm at times, despite being a talented and explosive back. The Lions may have felt that adding a running back like Gibbs, who offered a more well-rounded skill set, would provide insurance in case Swift was unable to stay healthy or continue to perform at a high level. Ultimately, the selection of Gibbs could have been part of a strategy to upgrade the position and build a more reliable backfield moving forward.
The Criticism: Why Some View the Pick as a Mistake
Despite the clear rationale behind the pick, the decision to draft Gibbs in the first round was met with significant criticism. Some of the primary arguments against the selection included:
- Position Value: As mentioned earlier, many analysts and fans believe that running back is a devalued position in the modern NFL. With teams focusing more on passing offenses and using running back committees to split the workload, the argument is that first-round picks should be reserved for positions that have a greater impact on the game, such as quarterback, wide receiver, or defensive playmakers. The Lions could have used the 12th pick on a more pressing need, such as cornerback, defensive line, or wide receiver, rather than investing in a running back.
- Talent Available at Other Positions: The 2023 draft was stacked with talent at positions of need for the Lions. Many believed that the team could have taken a top-tier cornerback like Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez, both of whom were available at No. 12. The Lions also had the opportunity to select a wide receiver or a defensive lineman to address areas of weakness. By drafting Gibbs, they passed on several prospects who could have provided immediate help to the team’s defense or bolstered their already potent offense.
- D’Andre Swift’s Potential: Critics of the pick also pointed to the fact that the Lions already had a talented running back in D’Andre Swift. While Swift’s career had been marred by injuries and inconsistency, there was still potential for him to break out and become a top running back in the NFL. Many believed that the Lions should have given Swift another chance to prove himself, rather than investing a high draft pick in a running back. By taking Gibbs, the Lions seemed to signal that they were ready to move on from Swift and perhaps even trade him in the future, further raising questions about the wisdom of the pick.
- Resource Allocation: The Lions had already made significant investments in their offensive line and quarterback position in previous drafts and free agency, and many felt that they should have focused on improving their defense in the first round. The team needed to add more talent to a defense that had struggled in recent seasons, and taking Gibbs was seen by some as an inefficient allocation of resources.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions?
While the criticism of the pick was understandable, it’s still too early to fully assess whether the selection of Jahmyr Gibbs was a mistake. As of the 2023 season, the Lions have continued to build a strong and balanced team, with Gibbs expected to play a prominent role in their offense. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, there’s a good chance that the decision to select him in the first round will pay off for the Lions.
Gibbs’ skill set as a dual-threat running back who can contribute both on the ground and in the passing game makes him a valuable asset in today’s NFL. If the Lions can use him effectively in their offensive scheme, his ability to create big plays and generate yards after contact could help elevate their offense to another level.
Ultimately, the success of the pick will depend on how Gibbs performs in the NFL and how he fits into the Lions’ system. If he can meet or exceed expectations, the criticism of the pick may eventually subside, and the Lions could be proven right in their decision to invest in the talented running back.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for the Lions
The selection of Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 was undoubtedly a bold move by the Detroit Lions, and it has sparked a heated debate about the value of drafting running backs in the first round. While the pick has its critics, the Lions clearly believe in Gibbs’ potential and his ability to contribute to their offense in a variety of ways. Whether or not the pick proves to be a success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Lions are committed to building an offense that can compete at the highest level, and Gibbs could be a key piece of that puzzle for years to come.
