Lions GM Brad Holmes rankled some feathers when he selected Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick on Thursday night. Imagine the hysteria if Detroit hadn’t traded back from No. 6 to the 12th spot and still taken Gibbs.
According to a report from NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, that very well might have been the plan. Pelissero notes Holmes “would’ve been comfortable taking (Gibbs) at No. 6”.
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If thats accurate, and there is no reason to doubt it, that means the Lions ranked Gibbs above Texas RB Bijan Robinson. The Falcons selected Robinson at No. 8 overall.
How highly did the #Lions value RB Jahmyr Gibbs? My understanding is they would’ve been comfortable taking him at No. 6. Instead, Brad Holmes traded back with AZ, added draft capital (including No. 34) and got Gibbs at 12. A potential difference-maker in Ben Johnson’s offense.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2023
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