When the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Brad Holmes faced considerable criticism. However, nearly a year later, Holmes is now receiving praise for what has turned out to be a stellar decision. Gibbs has proven to be a home run selection, forming a formidable partnership with free agent acquisition David Montgomery. Together, they elevated Detroit’s running game from good to exceptional, showcasing elite potential under the guidance of first-year running backs coach Scottie Montgomery.
As the Lions head into the offseason, the running back position appears to be a source of optimism. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs exceeded expectations in their inaugural season together, narrowly missing the milestone of both rushing for 1,000 yards in a season. Despite injuries causing them to miss some games, both players surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards. Their contributions extended beyond ground play, as both were integral in the passing game.
Under coach Campbell, the Lions maintained a run-first identity, and this approach was enhanced by the dynamic duo of Montgomery and Gibbs. The team prioritized creating more explosive plays in the run game, resulting in a notable improvement. The pair combined for 27 runs of 15 yards or more, with each averaging over three yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. This marked a significant upgrade from the previous season’s duo of Swift and Williams, illustrating the success of the team’s emphasis on explosive plays.
The Lions’ offensive line played a crucial role in paving the way for the running backs, and the unit showcased considerable improvement. Montgomery and Gibbs demonstrated open-field quickness, resulting in more explosive runs. The hope for the future lies in the fact that both running backs will gain another year of experience, and the workload can be shared more evenly to preserve their durability.
While injuries remain a concern, particularly in a physical game like football, the Lions were fortunate to avoid a scenario where both Montgomery and Gibbs were sidelined simultaneously for an extended period. Looking ahead, the impending free agency of guards Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow raises questions about the stability of the offensive line. Maintaining or rebuilding this crucial unit will be a key offseason challenge for the Lions.
The most significant question looming over the offseason is the potential ceiling for Jahmyr Gibbs over a full season. Despite a slow start and missing two games, Gibbs showcased his explosiveness and versatility. If he can sustain this level of production throughout the entire 2024 season, it bodes well for the Lions’ offensive efficiency. The depth behind Gibbs and Montgomery is supported by the reliable Craig Reynolds, who has proven himself as a valuable asset with knowledge of the team’s pass protections.
Should the Lions seek to add competition through the Draft, prospects like Dylan Laube from New Hampshire and Isaiah Davis from South Dakota State, both versatile talents with big-play potential, could be enticing options in the later rounds.