Former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is preparing to begin his rookie season in the NFL after being selected No. 12 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 draft. Many believed he was selected earlier than he should have been, but the franchise is confident that they got their guy.
Gibbs only played one season at Alabama after transferring in from Georgia Tech, but he was a star for the Crimson Tide offense. On 151 attempts, he had 926 yards on the ground and seven rushing touchdowns. He was also an effective receiving threat, as he hauled in 44 receptions for 444 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Natalie Miller of the Draft Wire put together projections for all Lions rookies ahead of the 2023 season and has high expectations for Gibbs.
Gibbs, according to Miller, will rush for 975 yards, have 500 receiving yards and reach the end zone a total of eight times.
“The Lions shocked just about everyone when they took running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall in the draft, but they clearly took him there with a plan in mind,” writes Miller. “Gibbs will likely not only be a primary running force in a rotation with David Montgomery, but will also provide plenty of explosion in the short-yardage passing attack. Should he hit the ground running, expect Gibbs to be in the race for offensive rookie of the year.”
Gibbs will be an important member of the Lions offense in 2023, the Detroit front office surely hopes to prove all of the doubters of their No. 12 overall pick wrong.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Gibbs and other former Alabama players getting started in the NFL.
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