Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes faced a lot of criticism when he spent a first-round draft pick on running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but now he’s celebrating Gibbs’ outstanding rookie season.
During the Lions’ march to the NFC Championship game, the 21-year-old running back rushed for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 52 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown.
Holmes opened up about Gibbs this week, stating that he expects an even greater season in 2024.
Praise for Jahmyr Gibbs
After a debut season in which Gibbs surpassed 1,200 yards from scrimmage, Holmes struggled to contain his excitement for the former Alabama running back. The Lions’ general manager believes 2023 was only a preview of what Gibbs can do with Detroit’s offense.
“I’m just really excited. “He’s going to be better next year, like this was only scratching the surface of what he did this year,” Holmes told SI.com. “Next year will be even better, which is worrying. But I’m really proud of him, and he’s so humble. He worked hard and is an excellent fit for us.”
Holmes sparked a youth movement in the Lions’ offense, using the team’s second-round draft pick in 2023 on tight end Sam LaPorta. The tight end went on to break a number of franchise records and became a favorite target for quarterback Jared Goff.
Holmes praised the two, saying they shown a high level of maturity while embracing the culture that head coach Dan Campbell has established in Detroit.
“Jahmyr is an electrifying player who is incredibly explosive. But he’s brilliant, competitive, and tough, just like Sam,” Holmes remarked. “He’s another man who is really humble, but he’s also tough, competitive, and the situation isn’t too serious. That is why they were able to produce as much as they did this year. You see a lot of individuals who are as talented, if not more gifted than him, but as we always say, if you don’t have those intangible traits that we seek for in Detroit Lions players, it’s going to be tough. And those people put it on show this year.
Brad Holmes Justified His Pick
There was a lot of criticism when Holmes used the No. 12 overall pick on Gibbs, especially given the team’s deep defensive needs and the comparatively undervalued running back position. Many others argued that the Lions would have been better off holding the No. 6 pick rather than moving back and adding to their secondary.
Holmes stated that the detractors are now quiet.
“Silence, that’s a nice word because he is quite silent himself. He’s not going to say much, but it’s part of his personality,” Holmes added. “We chose Jahmyr Gibbs because he was a special player who, regardless of position, was the correct fit. And for him to have the relationship he had with David Montgomery, and how the two fed off of each other. Scottie Montgomery teaches those guys; it takes everyone, but I’m very thrilled for Jahmyr.”
