What Happened To The 11 Players Drafted Before Jahmyr Gibbs?

In the world of the NFL Draft, every decision made by a general manager can have profound implications for the future of a franchise.

The 2023 NFL Draft was no exception, especially when it came to the selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs by the Detroit Lions at the 12th overall pick.

While many analysts questioned the wisdom of this choice, two years later, Gibbs is proving his worth and making history alongside teammate David Montgomery.

This article delves into the fates of the eleven players drafted before Gibbs, highlighting their performances, struggles, and the ongoing debate about whether the Lions made the right call.

The 2023 draft kicked off with the Carolina Panthers selecting quarterback Bryce Young as the first overall pick.

Young, who had dazzled during his time at Alabama, was expected to be a franchise-altering player.

His Heisman-winning season in 2021 saw him throw for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, but his transition to the NFL has been rocky.

In his rookie year, Young struggled, throwing for just 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The following season started poorly, with Young benched after two games due to a dismal performance, including a shocking interception on his first pass.

However, he rebounded in the latter part of the season, showcasing flashes of his potential and leaving Panthers fans hopeful for the future.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, picking second overall, found a gem in quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud’s collegiate career at Ohio State was stellar, and he translated that success to the NFL with an impressive rookie season that included 4,118 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

Although his second season saw a dip in performance, Stroud still led the Texans to the playoffs, solidifying his position as a franchise quarterback and demonstrating the potential for long-term success.

The Indianapolis Colts took a gamble at pick four by selecting quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose college career was marked by inconsistency.

Richardson’s NFL journey has been tumultuous, marred by injuries and a lack of accuracy.

After a limited rookie season, his second year showed some promise, but he still struggled to find consistency, leaving the Colts in a precarious position as they evaluate his future.

At pick five, the Seattle Seahawks selected cornerback Devin Witherspoon, who quickly established himself as a key player on their defense.

Witherspoon’s rookie season was impressive, and he followed it up with another strong performance in his second year, making him a reliable asset for the Seahawks as they look to build a competitive roster.

The Arizona Cardinals opted for offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. at pick six, a decision that aimed to bolster their offensive line.

Johnson has shown promise, ranking as one of the better tackles in the league, but he still has areas to improve upon, particularly in pass protection.

The Cardinals’ investment in Johnson reflects their commitment to protecting their quarterback for years to come.

The Las Vegas Raiders selected edge rusher Tyree Wilson at pick seven, a choice that has yet to pay off as expected.

Wilson’s rookie season was underwhelming, and while he showed some improvement in his second year, he remains a project for the Raiders as they seek to develop him into a more impactful player.

The Atlanta Falcons made headlines at pick eight by choosing running back Bijan Robinson, who quickly became the focal point of their offense.

Robinson’s ability to produce on a mediocre team has made him a standout player, and his dual-threat capability has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier running backs.

At pick nine, the Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who has lived up to the hype surrounding him.

Carter’s impact on the field has been significant, and he has quickly become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense, earning accolades and recognition for his play.

The Chicago Bears chose offensive tackle Darnell Wright at pick ten, a decision that has paid dividends in stabilizing their offensive line.

Wright’s development has been steady, and he is proving to be a valuable asset for the Bears as they look to build a more competitive roster.

The Tennessee Titans picked Peter Skoronsky at eleven, a choice that has brought mixed results.

While Skoronsky has shown flashes of potential, he has struggled in certain areas, leading to questions about his long-term viability as a starter.

As we reflect on the players selected before Jahmyr Gibbs, it becomes clear that the draft is an unpredictable beast.

While some teams have found franchise cornerstones, others are still searching for answers.

Gibbs has emerged as a dynamic playmaker, and the Lions’ decision to select him may ultimately be viewed as a stroke of genius in hindsight.

In conclusion, the 2023 NFL Draft was filled with intrigue, and the fates of the eleven players chosen before Jahmyr Gibbs demonstrate the complexities of evaluating talent.

As the league evolves, the value of running backs is being redefined, and Gibbs’s success may signal a resurgence in the importance of this position.

Only time will tell how these players will shape the future of their respective franchises, but one thing is certain: the debate over the draft choices will continue for years to come.