NFL Analyst: Jahmyr Gibbs Could Lead NFL in RB Touchdowns

Could Jahmyr Gibbs have a breakout rookie season?

The Detroit Lions received a fair amount of criticism from pundits and a few supporters who did not understand selecting a running back in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Now that a few weeks have passed, many more pundits are realizing just how valuable an explosive offensive weapon can bring to an offense. 

In a recent bold prediction post for the league's website, Adam Schein entertained the idea the ex-Crimson Tide running back would lead the NFL in touchdowns at the running back position. 

"I lauded the Lions' draft a few weeks ago, specifically stating my love for the controversial Gibbs pick. Was a running back at No. 12 overall too rich for your blood? Not mine! And Gibbs is not just a running back; with legit pass-catching ability, he's a true offensive weapon with breakneck speed," Schein explained. "He's a home run hitter, and savvy offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will exploit this to the fullest.

"Jamaal Williams -- last year's NFL rushing TD king -- and D'Andre Swift are gone. While free-agent signee David Montgomery is a solid power back who could vulture some scores, Gibbs is the first-rounder. The electric playmaker will prove Lions brass correct while helping lead Detroit to big things this year."

Those who were skeptical often voice that selecting running backs early does not provide teams the value of position that a wide receiver or quarterback would. 

Ross Tucker explained on the latest All Lions podcast that Gibbs is going to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, similar to Alvin Kamara with the Saints. 

"I always hear the running back thing, and I get it. I do, right. I understand what people think of in terms of the value of that position, said Tucker. "But, I guess I would also submit to you that it's really a matchup league, right? And Gibbs is a very, very difficult matchup for any linebacker that would be tasked with covering him. 

"Dan Campbell kind of solved that in New Orleans with Alvin Kamara. Right? Like he saw how hard it is for linebackers to cover guys like Gibbs one-on-one," Tucker continued. "And even if they're in a zone coverage, the ability for Goff to just check it down to Gibbs if there's nothing down the field. Gibbs is not a check down running back who will just get you five yards. He's gonna check to that running back that could get you 15 or 20 yards because of that burst."