Jahmyr Gibbs' speed, pass-catching standing out with Detroit Lions

Lions coach Dan Campbell certainly has a multi-faceted talent in rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the team’s surprise pick in April’s NFL Draft.

Gibbs, who starred at both Georgia Tech and Alabama, showed off his speed and ability to catch passes during the Lions’ OTAs and recently completed mini camp. That versatility probably pushed him to the 12th pick. With the Lions, he’s lining up at both receiver and tailback. And that gives the Detroit offense several options without needing to sub out personnel packages.

“He can catch it; he can run it,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff told reporters on the first day of minicamp. “We’re excited about him. He’s done a hell of a job as well as a rookie, learning, picking things up, asking the right questions and can do some special things with the ball in his hands, so we’re excited about that.”

Jahmyr Gibbs started his collegiate career with Georgia Tech. But he turned heads when he transferred to Alabama. Last season was his only one with the Crimson Tide. He certainly showed his versatlity. Of course he fan run the ball — Gibbs gained 926 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He also caught 44 passes for 444 yards. Plus, he returned kicks. NFL teams aren’t placing first-round value on tailbacks. But since Gibbs can do so much, he earned a first-round pick, four spots behind Bijan Robinson.

“The Lions have one main ask of Gibbs. “Be physical. Just show physicality in every sense,” said Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery. “I know this guy’s skill set from a speed, quickness, mental. I want him to be physical. If you’re a tough team, you don’t get toughness from the big guys. The big guys are going to be tough. If you’re a tough team, you’re small guys are tough.”

Montgomery added: “You can’t play at the University of Alabama if you don’t have a level of physicality to you.”

The Lions are making some wholesale changed at running back. Of course, there was the Jahmyr Gibbs selection. And, Detroit signed former Chicago Bear back David Montgomery to a three-year, $12 millon contract. On the third day of April’s draft, the Lions traded D’Andre Swift , its featured back, to the Eagles.

And with the presence of both Gibbs and Montgomery, coach Dan Campbell said the Lions may be using more two-back sets. He also said the team may use some 1-3 sets, which would use three tight ends, to better utilize rookie Sam LaPorta.