Love the picks or hate them, you have to hand it to the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft on nothing more than their ridiculous confidence in the picks they made.

Were these picks reaches? Perhaps, but if you love a prospect, you don't wait for them to fall to you. That's an easy way to end your night in disappointment. 

Confidence is exactly how you should describe these picks for the Lions. And based on recent news, it sounds like the Lions had even more faith in their first selection than it initially appeared. 

While Bijan Robinson was the favorite running back amongst most of the league,  NFL insider Tom Pelissero explained a different take held by the Lions.

How highly did the #Lions value RB Jahmyr Gibbs? My understanding is they would’ve been comfortable taking him at No. 6. Instead, Brad Holmes traded back with AZ, added draft capital (including No. 34) and got Gibbs at 12. A potential difference-maker in Ben Johnson’s offense.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2023

"Let's start with this, from my understanding, the Lions would have been comfortable taking Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 6, ahead of Bijan Robinson," said Pelissero. "That's how convinced they were that this guy could be a difference-maker in their offense."But… the Lions moved back six spots, ended up gaining a second round pick -a high two, No. 34 overall- which gives them some flexibility in Round 2. They ended getting up the same guy they would've taken, Jahmyr Gibbs, at 12."

This is a huge vote of confidence from the Lions on a pick that many questioned when it was announced. The fact that the Lions liked Gibbs so much more than Robinson is a little bizarre, but it is hard to hate on a team for loving what it sees in a prospect.

Passing on Robinson just to trade back for Gibbs seemed weird in the moment, but now it seems to make a bit more sense.

This move will set the Lions up for a ridiculous level of scrutiny if it doesn't end up working out in the end, but Jahmyr Gibbs balling out in 2023 will make the Lions and their front office look like the best of the best.

There is a lot riding on this level of confidence. Hopefully it works out.