Global Courant 2023-04-29 01:17:55
Not many thought that two running backs would make the top 12 on NFL Draft Thursday.
The Atlanta Falcons made a surprise pick at No. 8, pulling out Bijan Robinson of Texas to become the first team to select a top 20 running back since the New York Giants drafted Saquon Barkley in 2018.
Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs addresses the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
And then the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs at number 12 from Alabama, shocking even Gibbs with the pick.
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“I feel great,” Gibbs said, according to ESPN. “I didn’t know I’d be picked as high as I was because running backs aren’t picked that high in this new era and new era of the NFL draft. But it was pretty shocking to me.
“But I’m thankful for the city of Detroit.”
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Gibbs’ selection at No. 12 makes him the Lions’ highest drafted running back since Barry Sanders in 1989, and he is the second consecutive Alabama player selected by Detroit with the 12th pick of the draft.
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats on December 31, 2022 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I really didn’t put the two 12s together, but that’s clearly one of the most respected programs in college football,” said Lions general manager Brad Holmes. “I have a lot of respect for coach (Nick) Saban and what he’s doing there, and you kind of know what kind of product and what kind of footballer he’s putting out. So it just so happened that (Gibbs) was one of our top players that we really like liked it and we were just happy to get him.”
In the previous four drafts, four running backs were selected in the first round, but all fell outside the top 20.
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Former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs works in position drills on Alabama’s NFL pro day March 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
“Yeah, I thought like in the 20s, because that’s where it’s usually about running back,” Gibbs said.
In his three college seasons—two at Georgia Tech and one at Alabama—Gibbs rushed for 2,132 yards and 15 touchdowns.
As a senior with the Crimson Tide, Gibbs ran for 926 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 444 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Joe Morgan is a sportscaster for Fox News.
