5 biggest losers for the Detroit Lions after the 2023 NFL Draft

5. RB David Montgomery

As someone who is fully onboard with the Lions’ quick pivot to replace Jamaal Williams with the former Bear Montgomery in free agency, this one hurts just a little.

Montgomery’s ceiling in the Detroit offense, as a more complete back than Williams and a powerful/elusive runner now behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL after Chicago’s had become closer to the worst, is easy to see as simply massive.

Montgomery is still the Lions’ No. 1 running back, and he’ll be the preferred guy around the goal line. But Gibbs is a legit talent, and in particular he’s an immediate mismatch weapon for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in the passing game.

So it’s natural that Gibbs will siphon some pass-catching opportunities from Montgomery. Much to the chagrin of those who were quickly all-in on Montgomery’s fantasy upside this year.

If we know Johnson at all, possibly early in the season moreso while Jameson Williams serves his suspension, Montgomery and Gibbs will be on the field at the same time occassionally this year.

Montgomery may still get 300-plus touches/opportunities (carries and targets) over 17 games this season. But the drafting of Gibbs No. 12 overall, surely with a plan to use him in a fashion to reflect that draft capital investment, definitely lowers Montgomery’s ceiling enough to be noted.