Lions get torched for making Jahmyr Gibbs pick worse with Jack Campbell

April 28, 2023 ndowd

The Detroit Lions puzzled many fans and experts after selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round of the NFL Draft.

There were four teams that had multiple first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Detroit Lions were one of them. The team held the No. 6 and 18 overall picks, giving them the chance to select some of the top prospects in the class who could help them get to the playoffs as soon as 2023.

To start things off, the Lions traded down from the No. 6 spot to the No. 12 position in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Once they were on the clock, the Lions selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. He was the second running back off the board after the Atlanta Falcons selected Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

Six selections later, the Lions picked Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell.

Let’s just say that the NFL world was puzzled by how the Lions used their first-round picks, especially when gaining an extra one in the Matthew Stafford trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

NFL world confused by Lions draft strategy after selecting Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell

If Lions were going to take Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12, why not just take Bijan Robinson at No. 6?

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 28, 2023

Lions pick is the first one that’s truly stunned me

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 28, 2023

Lions getting 12 at Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell at 18 is just not it, man

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) April 28, 2023

I know the RB conversation is exhausting at this point, but the Lions this offseason have:

* Given David Montgomery a 3-year, $18M deal

* Used the 12th overall pick on Jahmyr Gibbs

That is a horrendous use of resources.

— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) April 28, 2023

A RB and a run-stuffing LB at 12 and 18. Lions drafting like it’s 1972.

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) April 28, 2023

The Lions did gain extra draft capital in their trade with the Cardinals, who moved up to select Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Was drafting Gibbs a reach because they were banking on Robinson to fall? Who knows.

In his lone year at Alabama after transferring over from Georgia Tech, Gibbs ran for 926 yards and seven touchdowns on 151 carries, while also catching 44 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns.

As for Campbell he was projected to be a second round pick. So picking him at 18 was a bit of a shock. But, the Lions ensured they got the tackling machine that was Campbell.

This past season, Campbell recorded 125 total tackles (59 solo, 66 assisted), 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and one sack in 13 games played. Overall in his four years played at Iowa, Campbell posted 299 total tackles (139 solo, 160 assisted), 12.5 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

While the fanbase and the NFL world may not be thrilled with how the Lions used their first-round picks, the team likes who they like. They obviously had higher grades on Gibbs and Campbell than everyone else.

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