The Detroit Lions selected versatile running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While it was a surprise selection to most, there's no doubt the former Alabama star is an elite playmaker on offense.
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In two years at Georgia Tech, Gibbs combined for 1,974 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. Then, the running back transferred to Alabama, where he put up 1,370 total yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. He was a skilled weapon in the running and passing game throughout college.
Will that change in Detroit? Will he be used all over the place for the Lions? Let's take a look at his fantasy value for this season.
Will Jahmyr Gibbs Be Used All Over The Place For The Lions?
The report out of Detroit's OTAs is that Gibbs has seen snaps out of the backfield, in the slot, and even out wide as a receiver. The rookie has also expressed his excitement about moving all over the field, saying, "I love how they're using me."
With the team already experimenting with him in OTAs as a receiver, the Lions have a clear picture in mind for their 21-year-old superstar back. Realistically, they didn't draft him to sit on the bench and not make a difference on offense. So, Gibbs should see plenty of snaps on an up-and-coming offense in his rookie season.
The early indication is that Detroit will be moving Gibbs all over the place on offense, trying to get him his touches. It's great to see the vision the Lions already have with their first-round pick.
Jahmyr Gibbs Fantasy Football Outlook
If the Lions' OTAs are any indication of the type of offense they'll run in 2023, Detroit will feature Gibbs heavily in their scheme as a runner and receiver. That will easily make the rookie a weekly fantasy RB2 with a ton of upside in PPR formats this season.
Last year, D'Andre Swift was a key part of Detroit's offense when healthy. He finished the season with 931 scrimmage yards with 70 targets in 14 games. With Swift now on the Eagles, Gibbs should immediately step into that role and become a difference-maker for the Lions.
He'll split the backfield touches with David Montgomery, but Gibbs' versatility in the receiving game and his talent should earn him more reps. The rookie has already been impressive this offseason, and he'll be a PPR stud in fantasy in year one, especially if he plays all over the field.
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