Lions GM Says 'We Don't Draft Scared' After Jahmyr Gibbs Pick, D'Andre Swift Trade

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes wasn't concerned with outside opinions when the team selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

The arrival of Gibbs precipitated the departure of D'Andre Swift, whom the Lions traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

"We don't draft scared," Holmes told reporters. "The thing about Jahmyr Gibbs is that he was a guy that we loved."

He emphasized how he was taking a long-term view with the backfield reshuffle:

It's easy to see why Detroit was so intrigued by Gibbs. Across three seasons at Georgia Tech and Alabama, he had 3,344 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns. Derrik Klassen of the B/R NFL Scouting Department compared him to four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook.

However, using a first-rounder on a running back isn't a great value play anymore given their relatively short careers and fungibility, and Gibbs wasn't the kind of transcendent prospect who warranted bucking the conventional wisdom. He was the No. 31 overall player on the B/R Scouting Department's final big board.

The Lions didn't seem to be in need of another ball-carrier coming into the draft since they had Swift and signed David Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million deal in March.

Because of those factors, Detroit's decision to take Gibbs was one of the biggest head-scratchers from Round 1. B/R's Brent Sobleski gave the pick a "D" grade.

"Swift is a free agent after this season," Sobleski wrote. "But it's an overpay to use a first-round pick to replace a starting running back in 2024. Even when Swift's previous injuries are taken into account, the organization could have just re-signed Jamaal Williams, who ran for 17 touchdowns last season.

"Multiple options existed for the Lions, and they chose the most baffling of the bunch."

Based on his excitement after submitting the pick, it's no surprise Holmes is very high on Gibbs and has total confidence in the move. In time, the Lions will be vindicated if they utilize the 5'9", 199-pound ball-carrier to devastating effect.

For now, there's little the team can say to dispel the notion that it miscalculated in a big way Thursday night.