For as much criticism as the Detroit Lions got for taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs No. 12 overall in April's draft, there has been subsequent indications he may have gone soon after if they didn't tale him there. It's also clear general manager Brad Holmes couldn't care less about any criticism narrative.
Holmes was on the most recent episode of "The Season with Peter Schrager". It was a long conversation with the NFL Network and Fox Sports analyst, from Holmes' journey to becoming a general manager to how he has shaped his draft philosophy.
Holmes talked about when he first saw Gibbs in a live game, when Alabama played Texas last season. Holmes again said how he feels Gibbs will make the Lions' offense even better than it was last year, while envoking a couple notable names in the pass catching running back hierarchy.
Brad Holmes calls Jahmyr Gibbs a "special weapon" for Detroit Lions offense
"When I first got with the Rams in 2003, Marshall Faulk was still there, and I was a huge Marshall Faulk guy -- just kind of seeing what he does in both phases," Holmes said. "And just from a scouting standpoint, when Christian McCaffrey came out, he was the last guy that I was like, 'Holy cow, this guy can run routes like a slot receiver but also run it.' So, you start getting reminders of those players. I'm not sitting here saying Jahmyr Gibbs is those players, but (he's) just a special weapon like that. We have a lot of excitement and optimism.""Brad Holmes
Merely mentioning Faulk and McCaffrey in a close breath, even as Holmes walked it back to not put Gibbs is their class just yet, is big praise. Alvin Kamara is a popular comp for Gibbs, with a similar rookie season role likely as David Montgomery serves as the workhorse back for the Lions.
Rookie-year McCaffrey: 113 targets/117 carries (Panthers bellcow Jonathan Stewart: 198 carries)
— Will Burchfield (@burchie_kid) July 12, 2023
Rookie-year Kamara: 100 targets/120 carries (Saints bellcow Mark Ingram: 230 carries)
Rookie-year Gibbs should be similar weapon, with David Montgomery serving as #Lions bellcow https://t.co/HR9YkPgVHM
The Lions have big plans for Gibbs this season, likely including he and Montgomery on the field at the same time some times. A McCaffrey or Kamara-like rookie season impact could, or dare I say would, take the offense to another level this year.