Eric WoodyardESPNM May 13 2023 1:15pm ET3 minute read
Jahmyr Gibbs’ NFL Draft profile when the Lions pick him at 12
Check out the top highlights that contributed to a stellar college career for Detroit native Jahmyr Gibbs.
ALLEN PARK, Michigan – Jahmyr Gibbs is a man of few words. When asked if the Detroit Lions had managed to pick him up so early with the 12th overall pick, he calmly declined.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Gibbs said Saturday during the rookie minicamp. “I really don’t care.”
As a precaution, the Lions kept Gibbs away from rookie mini-camp after injuring his ankle on Friday, but he still took to the field to learn from the coaching staff and support his teammates.
“I’m straight,” Gibbs said of the minor injury.
“He had a little improvement but not a big problem, he’ll be fine,” said Ray Agnew, the Lions’ assistant general manager. “We just play it safe with him.”
Shortly after his call-up, Gibbs said he was “surprised” how high the Lions voted him, given that running backs aren’t valued as highly in today’s world.
He’s also aware that he’s likely to be compared to running back Bijan Robinson, who was drafted 7th-ranked by the Atlanta Falcons, but Gibbs doesn’t give that a second thought. Robinson and Gibbs are the first pair of running backs to make the top 12 since 2017, when Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette were named in the top 12.
“Me and Bijan, we’re cool. We get along well. That’s my boy,” Gibbs said. “Every time I see him — you know, we had the same coach in college — all three of us have a great relationship.”
Gibbs is Detroit’s running back with the most drafts since 1989, when the Lions won Hall of Famer Barry Sanders with the No. 3 draft.
And while he was on the field at rookie minicamp — despite being “quiet” according to tight end Sam LaPorta — Gibbs impressed his new teammates.
LaPorta says he “can’t wait to block for him and just see what he can do with the ball in his hands.”
“He’s special and I think we all saw that,” said Hendon Hooker, a Lions third-round pick. “One of those guys who come in and work. He doesn’t do much rah-rah and I’m a big fan of his game.”
“I remember when we were playing he missed three defenders [Alabama] last year in Tennessee, so I’m continuing to build my relationship with him off the field and I’m excited for the future.”