Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs to 'Be Physical' All Throughout Training Camp

Lions running backs coach shares what will be a successful training camp for Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Detroit Lions understand the skill set that running back Jahmyr Gibbs brings to the table. 

After observing his tape from his only season at Alabama, Detroit's personnel department decided to make the investment and selected the speedy running back in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

When asked what Gibbs needed to showcase at training camp, Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery indicated physicality would be paramount in the evaluation process. 

"Be physical. Just show physicality in every sense," said Montgomery. "I know this guy's skill set from a speed, quickness, mental. I want him to be physical. If you're a tough team, you don't get toughness from the big guys. The big guys are going to be tough. If you're a tough team, you're small guys are tough."

At just shy of 200-pounds, many would not think Gibbs has that body type to be physical and play tough. 

Montgomery expressed Gibbs has showcased his toughness all throughout his football playing career. 

"He has it," Montgomery said. "He's got a little bit of an edge that people don't know because he's quiet at times. But once we get in the building and we get behind closed doors, he does have a different level of that. And then, you can't play at the University of Alabama if you don't have a level of physicality to you." 

Detroit's coaching staff holds a solid recommendation from Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban in very high regard, as the SEC powerhouse runs a professional style offense and has sent many players to the NFL. 

"I'll just be honest. I think they practice as hard and physical with multiple fields going on at one time. Coach (Saban) does a good job of keeping the drill going and coaching different drills, but also making guys understand that part of the competitive process is just not this, you know, pajamas and running around. It's actually putting pads on one another. So, you go down there and you play at a high level and you get great marks from Coach Saban, that's a good start for physicality."