The Detroit Lions may have turned heads in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft when they traded back to select running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but now it is on Gibbs to turn heads himself as he proves why the Lions selected him so early.

Gibbs was a freak with Alabama and should immediately step into a major role in Detroit. The Lions may begin the year with David Montgomery as the starter, but it is certainly on the table that Gibbs' abilities as a receiver keep him on the field for that role towards the middle of the season.

Based on touches and projections, Gibbs could be an absolute stud in an offense that was already one of the best in the NFL last year. Perhaps he may even be historically good for the Lions.

The Lions have a claim to one of the best running backs in league history. Unfortunately, that same level of success has been absent for long stretches of the modern iteration of the Lions, particularly with rookies.

The last Lions rookie to make it beyond the baseline litmus test of 1,000 yards as a rusher was Kevin Jones in 2004. After nearly 20 years, Jahmyr Gibbs may be in a position to end that drought.

Detroit finished the 2022 season with 2,179 total rushing yards. Based on the fact that David Montgomery and Gibbs are an improvement over Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that the new duo could perform even better behind this excellent offensive line and passing attack.

Touches at the start of the year will be critical for Gibbs to earn this honor, but it sure looks like the overall talent is there to become a force of nature and go well beyond that 1,000-yard mark if the Lions truly unleash their first-overall draft pick in his rookie season.