Lions trade down, invest more capital into running backs

Lions fans are hoping Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs was worth the wait.

Driving the news: Originally armed with the No. 6 pick, Detroit moved down to No. 12 in a last-minute trade with the Arizona Cardinals that included the No. 34 pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

• The Lions also had pick No. 18 and took Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell.

Why it matters: Detroit is finally a playoff contender. Nailing this draft is key to maintaining what has been rare upward momentum.

Quick take: Gibbs is known as an elusive runner with pass-catching skills. He's been compared to Saints RB Alvin Kamara.

Yes, but: Drafting a running back so high is a risk — productive rushers can be found in later rounds or free agency.

• And the Lions already have D'Andre Swift and newly acquired free agent David Montgomery.

The intrigue: The front office may regret trading down if pass rushers Tyree Wilson (No. 7, Raiders) or Jalen Carter (No. 9, Eagles) turn into superstars.

• Perhaps Detroit was open to a trade after Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon — who the team was expected to draft — went to Seattle at No. 5.

State of play: Many predicted Detroit would take a defensive player with its top pick. But the draft-night trade turned everything upside down.

• Gibbs was the second running back off the board after Texas' Bijan Robinson went to the Falcons at No. 8.
• Fans will eternally compare Gibbs to Robinson, whom Detroit could've had at No. 6.

What they're saying: "I was just talking to my friends when the call hit me," Gibbs said to reporters after the draft, "and I was shocked."

Zoom out: Rounds 2-7 continue today and Saturday.

• The Lions now have three second-round selections and could take a cornerback or tight end.

What's next: Next year's draft is here in Detroit.

• A giant countdown clock is set up near Campus Martius to remind everyone.
• But the draft event's exact location still hasn't been determined, WXYZ reports.

💭 Everett's thought bubble: I was at the Lions' draft party at Ford Field and heard a TON of F-bombs after the Gibbs pick.

• And it was concerning to realize that both of the team's first-round picks were also watching the event on TV.