Jahmyr Gibbs Doing Everything to 'Get a Jump' Early in NFL Career

The Lions' new RB coach evaluated the performance of his rookie throughout training camp.

The Detroit Lions are entrusting Scottie Montgomery with the development of talented rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. 

The Alabama product was taken No. 12 overall in this past April's NFL Draft, a shock to many who feel as though the position doesn't warrant being selected as highly as it was. 

Throughout the early part of training camp, Gibbs has had strong flashes. He's yet to miss a day of camp, and has made numerous big plays in team settings. 

But, what has stood out the most to his position coach is his attentiveness. 

"We've got to open it up, we said we're gonna slowly get it to him in the beginning, and then we just kind of threw it all at him. He really works at it," Montgomery explained. "If you look at his notebook, if you look at his note-taking, the questions that I get over text message or coming in little bit early and trying to get a jump on the rest of the guys. So, you know, from that standpoint, physically, he's been on point. I mean, he's quick. He's fast. He sets blocks. But, the challenge is that every week is another step in this league. ... Like where he's at, want to see him continue to progress." 

Montgomery's impact

David Montgomery's arrival has given the Lions yet another new face in the running backs room.

After enjoying four solid seasons in Chicago, he is coming to Detroit to serve as the lead back and a mentor for the rookie Gibbs. So far, he's put forth a strong first impression, as he leads his younger teammate.  

Among other things, Montgomery has encouraged Gibbs to speak up, and has served as a guide for him on a daily basis. 

"The level of professionalism you learn, not from coaches, you learn from your peers, that's what you do," Scottie Montgomery said. "When I came into the league as a rookie, I had great guys around me. This was the standard, the standard was set. If you get off the standard, you're not worried about your coach saying something, you're worried about the rest of the grown men in the room saying something. So, I think it's been great. His leadership capability is going to help (Gibbs) turn into a leader quickly."

Career progression

Montgomery has been a head coach and an offensive coordinator at the college level. After a short stint with the Indianapolis Colts, he's now leading the running backs and serving as the assistant head coach for Dan Campbell. 

As a result of his new responsibilities, Montgomery has been given opportunities to address the entire team. On Wednesday, he explained his development since joining the Lions' staff. 

"When you come into a new situation, you always want to build from the foundation up. So, that's what we tried to do," the assistant coach stated. "It was more about communicating. I thought Ben, first of all, did a great job just communicating his thoughts on, you know, how he saw the position, how he saw the offense. So, it gave me a good understanding, a learning process there. 

The second part of development is just my conversations with Dan, you know, whether it's time management, whether it's the opportunities to speak to the team and be in front of the team. He put me in front of the team on several occasions. Now, he gives us, he gives me different abilities to not only interject the things that I've learned before from a schematic standpoint, but also kind of some leadership capabilities when we're trying to grow the team." 

In addition to those duties, he has taken a more well-rounded approach to the Lions' staff meetings. Those opportunities have sharpened his football senses, as he has become more aware about the defensive side of the ball. 

Montgomery has also been taking tidbits of knowledge from his pupils on staff. By spending time with each, he's able to take information, in an effort to build his overall football toolbox. 

"You know what I want to be? Right now, I want to be the best at what I'm doing," Montgomery said. "One hundred percent, there's no question. And, what I've found is, as long as I'm continuing to do that, the progression will happen. I'm around great people, first of all, so first thing you have to do is surround yourself with great people. Right? You've got to realize constantly that none of us are as smart as all of us."