Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs selected No. 12 overall by the Lions
Former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t just slide into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft like some had speculated going in. Instead, the one-time Georgia Tech transfer was taken No. 12 overall by the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, making him the third Crimson Tide player taken.
Quarterback Bryce Young went to the Houston Texans with the top overall pick and outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was then selected two picks later by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3. That now makes 25% of the first 12 picks in this draft former Alabama players.
Not only that, but Gibbs is the second-consecutive player selected by the Lions in the first round that once transferred to Alabama from another program. During the 2022 NFL Draft, Detroit took wide receiver Jameson Williams — who transferred to Tuscaloosa from Ohio State prior to the 2021 season — at No. 12 overall. Of course, Gibbs and Williams didn’t play together in Tuscaloosa with Gibbs coming in 2022, but that will obviously change on the next level.
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It’s a really nice landing spot for Gibbs, too. Detroit’s starting running back in 2022 (D’Andre Swift) has struggled to stay healthy through his first three seasons in the NFL, and the team’s other top rusher from a season ago (Jamaal Williams) is now with the New Orleans Saints. It’s likely that Gibbs plays a thunder-lightning role alongside free agent signee David Montgomery, which could make Swift expendable.
In his lone season at Alabama after transferring in from Georgia Tech, the 5-foot-9, 199-pound back totaled 1,370 yards (926 rushing, 444 receiving) and 10 touchdowns on just 199 touches. His ability to be an impact player as a runner, receiver and return man was clearly appealing to several NFL teams, especially the Lions. We’re excited to eventually see him in an offense with Williams.
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