Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs: 'I Knew for a Fact' Cowboys Wanted to Take Me in 2023 NFL Draft

Detroit Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs revealed that the Dallas Cowboys were among the teams interested in selecting him during the 2023 NFL draft.

"It was crazy I knew for a fact Dallas was going to get me at 26 if I was still there, and a couple other places like Cincinnati was going to get me," Gibbs said during a Thursday appearance on The Richard Sherman Podcast (h/t CBS Sports' Garrett Podell).

The 22-year-old ultimately wasn't available when the Cowboys were on the clock, as the Lions used the No. 12 overall pick to draft the Alabama standout.

Dallas ended up selecting former Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith with the No. 26 choice. Smith hasn't exceeded expectations to begin his career, especially compared to Gibbs. The 23-year-old has registered 21 tackles and two tackles for loss in nine appearances this season but he hasn't been able to record a pressure in 285 snaps (via Pro Football Reference).

The Cowboys eventually addressed the running back position in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, adding Deuce Vaughn. He's served as a depth option to begin his career, picking up 20 yards on seven total carries in 2024.

After losing Tony Pollard in free agency, Dallas has attempted to replace him by opting for a committee approach built around Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott. It hasn't worked, as the Cowboys own the NFL's second-worst rushing attack in addition to their 3-6 record.

Meanwhile, Gibbs appears to be on track to earn his second Pro Bowl nod in his first two seasons. He's part of an imposing Lions rushing offense alongside David Montgomery, racking up 929 all-purpose yards in nine games this year.

Gibbs has also improved as a scoring threat, finding the end zone eight times in 2024 after amassing 11 total touchdowns in his rookie season.

The Lions own an impressive 8-1 record, good enough for the No. 1 seed in the NFC through 10 weeks.