Jahmyr Gibbs 'shocked' after going to Lions at No. 12

The Detroit Lions selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 12th overall.

Gibbs, the second running back selected after Bijan Robinson went to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8, said he was "shocked" when the Lions called him, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, mirroring the reaction of many watching.

"I didn't know I was going to get picked as high as I did," Gibbs added.

Gibbs was a dynamic playmaker for the Tide in 2022, running for 926 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 44 receptions, 444 yards, and three scores through the air.

Detroit's backfield also includes D'Andre Swift and David Montgomery. The Lions gave the latter a three-year contract in free agency.

Gibbs and fellow rusher Bijan Robinson, whom the Atlanta Falcons selected with the No. 8 pick, came off the board before any wide receivers were selected.

Pre-draft profile

Gibbs is built for today's NFL. While his size may not make him the greatest fit for old-school teams looking to get under center and pound the ball between the tackles, he's a matchup nightmare in an offense more inclined to spread things out. The Alabama standout has big-play potential in the run game, showcasing the elusiveness to slip by defenders and the speed to take any play the distance. That game-breaking ability can also be put to use in the passing game, as he's proven adept as a high-volume receiver out of the backfield - his 44 receptions in 2022 was tops among all Alabama players. Pair Gibbs with a big-bodied back who can handle short yardage and let him stay fresh to dominate everywhere else.