The Detroit Lions shocked a lot of people when their first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was announced. With the No. 12 overall pick, the Lions selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. It was a shocking decision as Detroit seemed set at the position and using a selection that high on a running back has become unorthodox.

But, the Lions liked Gibbs enough as a prospect that they would have reportedly been comfortable selecting him sixth overall had they not traded down with the Arizona Cardinals. Some people felt that Gibbs would have been on the board when the Lions came on the clock at No. 18, but based on reports following the draft, that may not have been the case either.

So, instead of taking an unnecessary risk, the Lions landed the guy they wanted at No. 12. While analysts may not have loved where Gibbs was selected, there is no doubt about his skill set and the kind of football player that he is.

A versatile player that has experience as a runner, receiver and kick returner, the Lions will find a spot on the field for him early and often. While he may never be a three-down workhorse given some of his size limitations, the Lions are going to deploy him in a number of different ways.

One of those ways is between the tackles doing the dirty work on early downs. It is something that running backs coach Scottie Montgomery pointed out ruggedness as something the team will be looking for from their first-round pick in his introductory training camp.

“Be physical. Just show physicality in every sense,” Montgomery said, via John Maakaron of SI.com. “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.”

Gibbs and the entire Lions backfield have some big shoes to fill in that regard as Jamaal Williams was outstanding in short-yardage situations last season. David Montgomery was widely expected to handle that role after signing a three-year deal in free agency, but it certainly sounds like Gibbs will be involved early and often as well.

Alas, it is still early in the process as nothing is set in stone when it comes to the running back pecking order. If Gibbs has a good camp, he could push for more early down work. Montgomery is also an excellent passing down back, so the Lions have some versatility to mix and match their personnel.

That is certainly a good thing for the offensive coaches as they can get very creative with formations and alignments. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the brightest young minds on the offensive side of the ball in the league and will certainly come up with a game plan to get all his running backs involved.