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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a surprise first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, the team loves Gibbs’ upside. Detroit traded Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 3 of the NFL Draft for a pair of draft picks. The rookie will now split the backfield work with David Montgomery.
Meanwhile, some fantasy players believe Gibbs will be the No. 1 running back for the Lions this season. Are they right, or will David Montgomery be the RB1?
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What Did Jahmyr Gibbs Accomplish At Alabama?
Gibbs started his college career at Georgia Tech. The rookie running back had 232 rushing attempts for 1,206 yards and eight touchdowns in his two years as a Yellow Jacket. Furthermore, he was a factor in the passing game, totaling 59 receptions for 768 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
However, Gibbs transferred to Alabama before the start of the 2022 season. He went on to have a career year. The rookie running back had 151 rushing attempts for 926 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Furthermore, Gibbs had 44 receptions for 444 receiving yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, the superstar running back led the team in receptions last year.
Is Jahmyr Gibbs The Lions RB1?
While everyone is excited about the rookie, let’s not forget about Montgomery. The veteran has been a consistent RB2 for fantasy players despite playing on a dysfunctional Chicago Bears offense. Furthermore, the former Iowa State star had a top-five finish in 2020.
However, the Detroit backfield might be the most fantasy friendly in the NFL this season. Last year Jamaal Williams was the RB8, averaging 12.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Swift was the RB22, averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game. While he struggled to stay healthy, the former Georgia star had the 10th most receptions (48) among running backs.
The good news for fantasy players is that Montgomery will fill Williams’ role while Gibbs replaces Swift. More importantly, head coach Dan Campbell has seen the impact two elite running backs can have on an offense.
He was part of the New Orleans coaching staff in 2017 when Mark Ingram was the RB6, while a rookie Alvin Kamara was the RB3. While the Detroit duo won’t be that successful, fantasy players should expect Campbell to use his running backs similar to how the Saints did in 2017.
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