The first round of the 2023 NFL draft is in the books, and it came with its share of surprises. Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, who was projected to be a top-five pick (and No. 2 overall in some mocks) wasn’t even picked. Ouch. The biggest surprise from both a real and fantasy perspective was the selection of Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who went No. 12 overall to the Lions. That leads off my look at the biggest storylines from a trade-filled, dramatic first round in Kansas City.
Jahmyr Gibbs to the Motor City
If you saw this move coming, you should play the lottery this week. The Lions, who have D’Andre Swift and signed David Montgomery this offseason, didn’t have a real need at the position. Still, the team drafted Gibbs to make a crowded backfield even more confusing … at least for now. Gibbs has Alvin Kamara-level skills and will be the first Lions back selected in fantasy redrafts, with Montgomery coming off the board next. Swift, who appears to be the latest member of the Barry Sanders Curse club, would be third in the fantasy pecking order. Of course, there’s a chance the team could move on from Swift before camps open. That would be an ideal scenario from a fantasy standpoint. For now, though, this backfield could be a real mess.
