2023 NFL Draft Grades: Rating every first-round pick by value
By Kinnu Singh
2023 NFL Draft Grades: Rating every first-round pick by value
12. With the 12th overall pick, the Detroit Lions select…
RB. Jahmyr Gibbs. B-. player. No. 20 in Top 50. Alabama. 50. Positional Ranking: 2
Initially, this pick was graded as a C+, but in light of the Lions’ recent trade sending D’Andre Swift to the Eagles, this pick is boosted up to a B-.
Onlookers were puzzled as to why the Lions would draft Gibbs with the No. 12 pick when they had D’Andre Swift, but the trade sheds light on their ultimate plan. With Swift gone, the Lions took the best running back that was still available.
With so many Lions players being recently suspended, it didn’t seem like running back was the greatest area of need, but now they have Gibbs to utilize as a safety valve, which can immediately make their offense more dynamic.
Gibbs is a valuable addition that the Lions can wield to boost their offense, although the team has been overwhelmed by the recent suspensions.
13. With the 13th overall pick, the Green Bay Packers select…
49. Lukas Van Ness. EDGE. Iowa. A-. player. No. 9 in Top 50. Positional Ranking: 3
With the two other top-ranked edge rushers gone, taking Van Ness at No. 13 is a solid addition by the Packers.
Drawing Rashan Gary comparisons, Van Ness is an exceptional pass rusher offering size and athleticism, plowing through offensive lines with a Herculean bull rush.
He still has room for growth with his technique, but as their first pick in the draft, it was prudent for the Packers to bolster their defense with Van Ness.