Lions’ top draft pick not concerned about criticism about team

The Detroit Lions shocked the NFL when they selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

In the weeks since it has been regarded as one of the biggest reaches in the first round, and one of the worst values. Gibbs has heard all of that talk and made it very clear on Saturday at Lions rookie mini camp that he does not care about it.

At all.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion,” said Gibbs on Saturday, via ESPN. “I really don’t care.”

The problem with the pick wasn’t just the fact that Gibbs was not projected to go in the first round, or at least not that high, is that running back has been very devalued in recent years. It is seen as a team-dependent position with a very short shelf life.

Running backs need strong offensive lines in front of them and a well-balanced offense to success, while they also have the shortest careers of any position in football.

That has resulted in teams waiting until later in the draft to address that position.

But the 2023 class bucked that trend a little bit as Bijan Robinson went in the top-10 to the Atlanta Falcons while Gibbs went just a few picks later to the Lions.

Gibbs’ Lions career did not get off to a great start as he injured his ankle on Friday, but he insisted that everything is good.

The Lions had two first round picks in 2023 and used them on Gibbs at No. 12 and Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18 overall.

Detroit narrowly missed out on the playoffs during the 2022 season and is expected to be a serious contender for the NFC North this season.