It is always fascinating to revisit draft reactions months or even years later, particularly in the case of athletes in the National Football League. When Alabama’s running back Jahmyr Gibbs was selected 12th overall, the social media reaction was very intense, with some fans expressing shock, and even fury over the draft selection by Detroit Lions’ General Manager, Brad Holmes.

Since then, Gibbs’ selection in the first round has looked like a slam dunk, with him breaking rookie records and making an impact in his first season in the Motor City. Let’s look back at some of the negative posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, and compare them to just how much of a playmaker and athlete Gibbs has been for the Detroit Lions. This is a football team that is 10-4 and on the verge of clinching both a playoff berth for the first time since 2016, and poised to win their Division for the first time since 1993, back when it was known as the NFC Central.

DRAFT REACTIONS: 

Typical lions, reach on both 1rd picks with positions they just signed people too this offseason, lmao love to see it, bears run the north

— ⚾QC (@QC1229) April 28, 2023

I would never in a million years take him at 12

— exilejr202 (@exilejr202) April 28, 2023

Just in case y’all forgot , they are still a terrible franchise . One mediocre season doesn’t change that

— m. (@themanupstairz) April 28, 2023

Don't they need defense?

— Chill Rich Dude (@jakep316) April 28, 2023

#12. #Lions select – Jahmyr Gibbs – RB Alabama

Wow! This is worse than taking a tight end in the top 10! I absolutely despise this and I like Gibbs as a RB! Horrendous!

— Jason (TWTS) (@TWTSscouting) April 28, 2023

This reaction is crazy for a RB who wasn't even sure he would go in the first round at all.

— MSU_RL (@Apocalypse031) April 28, 2023

Unserious team. Unserious franchise.

— Dan Baxter (@baxter4133) April 28, 2023

Idc the Lions lost the draft already

Jahmyr Gibbs is a great running back but the Lions already have Montgomery & Swift. Terrible

— 𓃵 (@Goaty_Szn) April 28, 2023

I know the RB conversation is exhausting at this point, but the Lions this offseason have:

* Given David Montgomery a 3-year, $18M deal

* Used the 12th overall pick on Jahmyr Gibbs

That is a horrendous use of resources.

— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) April 28, 2023

POSITIVE REACTIONS MONTHS LATER: 

Count the Jahmyr Gibbs broken tackles 💪pic.twitter.com/KzI88SN3DA

— PFF (@PFF) December 17, 2023

RB Jahmyr Gibbs is averaging 5.7 YPC. He leads the NFL in that category. pic.twitter.com/PHa5AAp2wy

— DLFP (@DLFPtweets) December 17, 2023

Dan Campbell gave a big shoutout to Lions GM Brad Holmes while praising Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta.

“He took a lot of criticism for those two picks. But they look like they’re okay,” he smirked. pic.twitter.com/WT8K4PJwep

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 17, 2023

JAHMYR GIBBS AGAIN ‼️
pic.twitter.com/4WtlJbR71L

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) December 17, 2023

Back in April, the @Lions used a first-round pick on Jahmyr Gibbs and a second on Sam LaPorta.

The rookies combined for 5 TDs as the first-place Lions won their 10th game of the season.

Instant impact 👏 pic.twitter.com/ifmV3d49SN

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023

And the @Lions were ridiculed for the selection at the time of the draft.

— B.P. Cox (@BPCox_) December 17, 2023

.@Lions RBs @MontgomerDavid and @Jahmyr_Gibbs1 have each topped 750+ rushing yards this season.

This is the first time in franchise history two players have done so in a single season.#OnePride#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/TVsYLNdaJ6

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 17, 2023

IMPACT PLAYER: 

There is no question that Jahmyr Gibbs, in Ben Johnson’s offense, is making impactful plays in his rookie season and helping restore the football program back to where the fans deserve it to be.

Expectations were high heading into 2023, and this one rookie has taken the NFL by storm, continuing to make plays. Statistically speaking, he is having one heck of a season and will only continue to grow as the Lions head toward the playoffs in several weeks. Gibbs currently has 792 rushing yards on 139 carries and  7 touchdowns. He is averaging 5.7 yards per carry as well.

On Saturday night versus the Denver Broncos, Gibbs rushed for 100 yards on 11 attempts and had a rushing touchdown. That is a 9.1 yards per carry average, which is almost a first down every single time he touches the football.

The great thing about this football team is that they not only have just Gibbs but also David Montgomery, who has 855 yards on 178 carries and 10 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. The dual threats in the running game with Gibbs and Montgomery have helped establish a much-needed rushing attack for the Lions. With this, Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson can open up the play-action, which has been successful this season with explosive plays occurring frequently in their games.

WRAP-UP:

Ultimately, the fans have their opinions each year during the NFL draft, but the organizations do their research and vet their athletes in a very thorough process. General Manager Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, and the entire Lions organization not only excelled with Gibbs’ selection but also many more over the last several years.

Sometimes, fans just need to trust the process and wait until football games begin before heading to social media to voice their disgust. In this case, apologies might be in order for those who were critical of the Gibbs selection, as he has proven to be a standout player for the Lions in his rookie season.