Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes faced criticism for selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a first-round draft pick.
However, Gibbs has had a successful rookie season.
During the Lions’ march to the NFC Championship game, the 21-year-old running back rushed for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 52 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown.
Holmes opened up about Gibbs this week, stating that he expects an even greater season in 2024.
Praise for Jahmyr Gibbs
After a debut season in which Gibbs surpassed 1,200 yards from scrimmage, Holmes struggled to contain his excitement for the former Alabama running back. The Lions’ general manager believes 2023 was only a preview of what Gibbs can do with Detroit’s offense.
“I’m just really excited. Holmes stated, “He’ll be better next year, like this was just scratching the surface of what he did this year,” as reported by SI.com. “Next year will be even better, which is worrying. But I’m really proud of him, and he’s so humble. He worked hard and is an excellent fit for us.”
Holmes sparked a youth movement in the Lions’ offense, using the team’s second-round draft pick in 2023 on tight end Sam LaPorta. The tight end went on to break a number of franchise records and became a favorite target for quarterback Jared Goff.
Holmes praised the two, saying they shown a high level of maturity while embracing the culture that head coach Dan Campbell has established in Detroit.
“Jahmyr is an electrifying player who is incredibly explosive. But he’s brilliant, competitive, and tough, just like Sam,” Holmes remarked. “He’s another man who is really humble, but he’s also tough, competitive, and the situation isn’t too serious. That is why they were able to produce as much as they did this year. You see a lot of individuals who are as talented, if not more gifted than him, but as we always say, if you don’t have those intangible traits that we seek for in Detroit Lions players, it’s going to be tough. And those people put it on show this year.
