Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes received a lot of flak for selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a first-round draft pick, but following Gibbs’ outstanding rookie campaign, Holmes is now enjoying his victory.
During the Lions’ march to the NFC Championship, the 21-year-old running back established himself as a formidable weapon, rushing for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns as well as adding 52 receptions for 316 yards and a receiving touchdown.
For the former Alabama running back, Gibbs exceeded 1,200 yards from scrimmage in his first season, and Holmes found it hard to contain his joy. The general manager of the Lions stated that he thinks 2023 was only a sneak peek at what Gibbs can do with Detroit’s offense.
“I’m just so excited, again.” According to Holmes, via SI.com, “He’s going to be better next year, like this was just scratching the surface of what he did this year.” “It’s terrifying to think that next year will be even better. But he’s so modest and I’m quite proud of him. He’s a great fit for us and has put in a lot of work.
Holmes, who also selected tight end Sam LaPorta with the team’s second-round 2023 draft pick, helped the Lions’ offense embark on something of a youth movement. The tight end went on to become a favorite target of quarterback Jared Goff and established numerous franchise records.
head coach Dan Campbell has been fostering.
“Jahmyr is a really explosive and electrifying player. However, he’s tough, competitive, and intelligent, and Sam feels the same way,” Holmes remarked. He’s another extremely modest man, but he’s also tough, competitive, and not overly huge right now. It is for this reason that they were able to have this year’s output. There are many players with similar talent, if not more talent than him, but as we often say, it will be difficult if you lack the intangible traits that the Detroit Lions value in players. And this year, those people demonstrated that.
When Holmes selected Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick, there was a lot of backlash, particularly considering the team’s dire defensive needs and the underappreciated status of running backs. Many believed that rather than trading down and acquiring assistance for the secondary, the Lions would have been better off holding onto the No. 6 pick.
“Silence is an excellent word, as he is not particularly talkative. Holmes remarked, “He won’t say much, but that’s his makeup and who he is.” “Jahmyr Gibbs was the player of choice for us because, despite his position, he was simply exceptional. Additionally, the way he and David Montgomery fed off of one other and the relationship they shared. It takes all hands to teach those guys, like Scottie Montgomery did, but I’m incredibly delighted for Jahmyr.
