A discussion on Twitter this week got me thinking. It started with a deluded writer covering the Green Bay Packers comparing the Packers' roster to the Detroit Lions. I'd go as far as to say that I believe the Packers are already better than the Lions, but beyond that, I question whether Lions running back Jahmil Gibbs is already one of the NFL's top playmakers. I was holding her.
When Gibbs was selected 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by Lions general manager Brad Holmes, there were a lot of people who were adamantly opposed to the pick, and to some extent, that was to be expected. Taking a running back this high is usually bad business, but in rare cases, it can be worth the juice. It took a while to get going, but once he found his footing, Gibbs really took off.
He is absolutely deadly in open space, where his game-breaking speed and elusiveness are at their best. But what surprised many people (myself included) about Gibbs' game was his physicality between the tackles.
Sharing the backfield with running mate David Montgomery definitely helps, but still Gibbs' stats during his rookie season speak for themselves: 234 touches, 1,261 yards, 11 total touchdowns.
Today's question of the day is:
Is Lions RB Jahmil Gibbs already an elite running back in the NFL?
my answer: That's exactly right. Running back is one of the positions where young players can make a difference immediately upon entering the league, and Gibbs' play is almost tailor-made for today's NFL.
At this point, there are only a handful of players I can back before Gibbs, but even that could be up for debate if you start thinking about it.
what about you? Do you think Gibbs has already established himself as one of the best backs in football? Scroll to the bottom of the page and let us know in the comments.