The Detroit Lions shocked the NFL world in April when the team selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the draft and subsequently traded D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fans and pundits wondered what the Lions were thinking taking a running back, arguably the second-best running back on the board, so high in the draft. But the former Alabama standout isn’t listening to the critics as he prepares for his rookie year with the team.
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Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
«Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I really don’t care,» Gibbs said Saturday, via The Detroit News. «It feels great to be a part of something special. Going up, going forward, it’s going to be fun to watch.»
Gibbs is battling an ankle injury early in camp but is expected to be ready for the start of the 2023 season barring unforeseen issues.
Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs runs the ball during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats on December 31, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Gibbs will bring a sub-4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash to Detroit, as well as a reliable pair of hands. He had 926 rushing yards and 444 passing yards for the Crimson Tide last season with 10 total touchdowns.
In addition to the Swift trade, the Lions also lost Jamaal Williams in free agency to the New Orleans Saints. Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season.
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs against the Kansas State Wildcats on December 31, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Detroit’s running depth includes Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Mohamed Ibrahim, Jermar Jefferson and Greg Bell. The Lions will have to analyze it before 2023 begins.