When the Detroit Lions made the bold move to select Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it wasn’t just the pick that drew attention, it was the timing. At a time when the Lions had already acquired David Montgomery in free agency and had D’Andre Swift on the roster, many questioned the wisdom of investing such a high draft pick in a running back. With glaring needs on defense, the move was met with much skepticism from draft analysts and experts.
Fast forward to January 2025, and the once-criticized pick has proven to be one of the most pivotal decisions for the franchise. Gibbs, whose selection was initially viewed as a reach, has firmly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. His historic four-touchdown performance on Sunday night, where the Lions secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings, encapsulated just how far he’s come and proved wrong the analysts that doubted his potential.
When the Lions took Gibbs, many analysts were quick to point out the risks of picking a running back so high. While the Lions had a clear need for defensive help, especially in the secondary, Detroit’s front office felt that Gibbs’ unique skill set was too valuable to pass up. Still, the national draft grades were harsh.
PFF called it a “below-average” pick, considering Gibbs was ranked 34th on their big board and the second-ranked running back behind Bijan Robinson. Others gave the pick a D, even an F, criticizing Detroit for taking a running back with more pressing needs at other positions, particularly on a defense that had ranked among the worst in the league the previous season.
However, what these critics failed to appreciate was Gibbs’ elite talent—a blend of speed, vision, and receiving ability that made him a true dual-threat weapon, and one that could fit seamlessly into a high-powered offense.
Fast forward to Sunday night’s crucial NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings. With the division title on the line, the Lions needed a victory to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and there was no doubt who the star of the game was: Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Lions dominated the Vikings 31-9, with Gibbs accounting for all four touchdowns in the game. He rushed for 139 yards on 23 carries, with three of those runs ending in the end zone. Gibbs also showcased his pass-catching ability, hauling in five receptions for 31 yards, including another touchdown reception. The performance was nothing short of historic.
Not only did Gibbs seal the win for Detroit, but his incredible display also solidified his place in NFL history. With his four-touchdown night, Gibbs became just the second player in NFL history to record at least 100 receptions and 25 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons, joining Hall of Famer Edgerrin James in this exclusive club.
In just his second year, Gibbs has proven to be one of the most versatile and dangerous players in the league, and his performance in the win over the Vikings was a crowning achievement in his rapid rise.
For a team that has long been a laughingstock of the NFL, the Lions are now entering the postseason with a 15-2 record. With a first-round bye, Detroit can rest and recover from some of the injuries that have plagued their defense, giving them a chance to build on their regular-season success.
For Gibbs, the sky’s the limit. After a performance that will surely be remembered as one of the greatest in Lions’ history, he has cemented his status as one of the league’s rising stars. What started as a controversial pick has now turned into one of the best decisions in recent draft history. Gibbs has not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it.
