Lions OC Ben Johnson hints at unexpected role for rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs
When you select a running back in the first-round of the NFL Draft, chances are that player can contribute in a multitude of ways besides just in the ground game. The Detroit Lions certainly think they have that in Jahmyr Gibbs, who showed off his ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air out of the backfield while at Georgia Tech and Alabama.
Speaking with the media Saturday, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson hinted at how Gibbs will be used during his rookie season.
“We might use Gibbs in some ways that people don’t quite think we might,” Johnson said, via Tim Twentyman of the team’s website.
In all likelihood, Johnson is hinting that Gibbs will line up from time to time at the receiver position, given his proficiency in catching the football. Gibbs established himself as one of the most versatile running backs in the country following his lone season with the Crimson Tide. He averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry last season, rushing for 926 yards and seven touchdowns. He also led the team in receptions with 44 for 444 yards and three scores. In three collegiate seasons, Gibbs hauled in 104 receptions for 1,217 yards and eight touchdowns.
Jahmyr Gibbs draws lofty comparison from Lions GM
Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who took Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, said earlier this offseason that the 21-year-old reminded him of a certain Pro Football Hall of Fame running back.
“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.”
Gibbs will likely split time with former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery, who signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Lions in March.