After surging up boards and mock drafts in recent weeks, the Detroit Lions team made Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

For the fifth time in the last six drafts, the Crimson Tide had at least three players selected in the opening round.

Gibbs joins teammates Bryce Young (Panthers) and Will Anderson (Texans) as those who had their names called Thursday night. Overall, Gibbs is the 44th first-rounder from Alabama for Saban. Gibbs is the highest-drafted running back since both Najee Harris (2021) and Josh Jacobs (2020) went 24th overall in their respective classes.

Gibbs was the second running back selected, along with Texas’ Bijan Robinson (eighth to the Falcons). The 12th-overall slot in the draft has a total value of $17,845,131 and a signing bonus of $9,978,277, per Sportrac. It’s the first time in six years that two running backs were selected in the first round.

Gibbs transferred to Alabama in December of 2021. Before that, Gibbs was a four-star according to 247Sports Composite and the No. 76 overall player in the class of 2020. A native of Dalton, Georgia, stayed home and played his first two seasons at Georgia Tech. He started his first seven games before suffering an injury but racked up 460 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman.

Gibbs led the Yellowjackets’ ground game again as a sophomore, averaging 5.2 yards a carry for 746 yards and six total touchdowns (four rushing, two receiving). He quickly became Alabama’s top offensive weapon last fall. Gibbs was the only skill player to surpass 1,000-plus scrimmage yards (1,370). He posted a career-high 10 touchdowns, seven on the ground.

Gibbs was named to the Associated Press All-American third team as an all-purpose player. He was also a second-team All-SEC honoree. Gibbs led the Tide with 173 all-purpose yards in last year’s Sugar Bowl in what would be his final collegiate game.

With head coach Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff and an explosive offense last season, the Lions will welcome one of the draft’s best playmakers. In the 2022 draft, the Lions selected former Alabama wide reciever Jameson Williams 12th overall.

Alabama RBs drafted under Saban

• Brian Robinson (3rd round – 98th overall)
• Najee Harris (1-24)
• Josh Jacobs (1-24)
• Damien Harris (3-87)
• Bo Scarbrough (7-236)
• Derrick Henry (2-45)
• Kenyan Drake (3-73)
• T.J. Yeldon (2-36)
• Jalston Fowler (4-108)
• Eddie Lacy (2-61)
• Trent Richardson (1-3)
• Mark Ingram (1-28)
• Glen Coffee (3-74)

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].