The Detroit Lions surprised many when they drafted Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Not many projected Gibbs getting selected so early in the draft, but the Lions wanted him, and they got him.
A running back like Gibbs adds another dimension to the Lions' offense, which was already the third-best unit in the league last season.
In this article, we will discuss the impact that the 21-year-old running back will have on his team and whether he is a top-12 fantasy running back for the 2023 season.
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Jahmyr Gibbs Will Be An Asset In The Passing Game
Apart from being a speedy running back who ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine, Jahmyr Gibbs will be a huge asset in the passing game for Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions. The Lions have a great offensive line and the Alabama product is expected to put up monster numbers through the air in his rookie season.
During his three years at Alabama, Gibbs played in 31 games, totaling 383 carries for 2132 yards while scoring 15 rushing touchdowns. He also had 103 receptions for 1212 yards and eight touchdowns through the air. This goes to show how lethal this dual-threat can become in the league, in a system that will help him immensely.
The Lions lost both Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift in the ongoing offseason so Gibbs should take a lot of those vacated reps with David Montgomery slotting in as the RB2.
So far, the young running back's name isn't among the top 12 fantasy running backs for the 2023 NFL season, but that is largely due to the fact that he is a rookie. However, since Gibbs is a dual threat, he is likely to have more production than the list of running backs who are placed ahead of him, and if he stays healthy, he might become a top-7 fantasy RB after this season.
Jahmyr Gibbs And Lions Are Set Up For Success
The Detroit Lions are the preseason favorites to win the NFC North, and they proved to everyone that they are a formidable offensive team last season. They strengthened their defense by adding C.J. Gardner Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley in the offseason, while their offense is already stacked.
Expectations are high for Gibbs and the Lions, and it is highly likely that they will meet them and have a successful season full of exciting football.
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