Re-grading the Detroit Lions 2023 draft one year later
The Detroit Lions defied the positional value truthers when they took running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Then at pick No. 18, they did it again by taking linebacker Jack Campbell. A running back (not Bijan Robinson ,as it pertains to the 2023 draft) and an off-ball linebacker with two top-20 picks? The blasphemy.
It's safe to say it worked out just fine. Those position value truthers, and those who had niothing good to say about the Lions' 2023 draft haul, wound up eating their words while bowing at the feet of Brad Holmes. Gibbs had an excellent rookie season, and Campbell became a key contributor to the defense. After them, second-round picks Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch were immediate studs, as LaPorta set the NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end.
Subsequent re-grades of the Lions' 2023 draft have automatically been very kind. So let's go ahead do our own re-grade of the class, approaching exactly one year later, pick-by-pick.
Re-grading the Detroit Lions 2023 draft
Jahmyr Gibbs pick grade. A. RB, 1st Round, Pick No. 12. . Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs was eased in to action to start his rookie season, then he missed two games with a hamstring injury. But from there he was a stud, with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns (10 rushing) over the final 11 regular season games. He followed that with a rushing score in all three playoff games.
It's scary (at least for opposing defenses) that Gibbs could be even better in Year 2 and beyond. That slow start is all that kept him from an A+ here.
We're only a year in, but it looks like Detroit came out winners from last year's draft. Thanks to the new-user offer at DraftKings, you can be a winner too! All you have to do is sign up, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more on any wager. You'll get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose! Click this link to sign up with DraftKings today!