Jahmyr Gibbs: Grading the Lions No. 12 pick in NFL draft

The Lions shocked the NFL draft world by selecting Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 pick. Here’s our grade for the former Alabama running back. 

If the Atlanta Falcons surprised people with their pick of Bijan Robinson, the Texas running back with the No. 8 overall pick, Detroit shocked people even more at No. 12 in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Lions better really love Jahmyr Gibbs because based on the roster, the running back depth chart, and the value of the 12th overall pick, this seems like a really big reach.

Here’s our grade for the Detroit Lions’ selection of Jahmyr Gibbs.

Grading Jahmyr Gibbs to the Lions at No. 12

Sort of Bijan Robinson, I love Jahmyr Gibbs as a player. He carried the Alabama offense last season, even more than Bryce Young did at times.

There weren’t the spectacular wide receivers or anything so Gibbs did it all for the Crimson Tide. He caught 44 passes for 444 yards last season and three touchdowns. Even before he got to Alabama, 59 passes and 103 total for his career. That’s a weapon, especially when he averaged 11.8 yards per reception.

Gibbs only rushed for 926 yards last season and also averaged 6.1 yards per carry. He certainly reminds you of a guy like a Christian McCaffrey just based on the numbers, except he never had the crazy rushing numbers.

If Gibbs is that kind of player, this will be a great pick. That’s the same thing I said about Robinson, but in both instances, it really felt to me like the Lions and Falcons reached.

That being said, Gibbs is going to be dynamic next season and Dan Campbell and company really wanted him. It’s a good pick, but a reach.

Grade: C+