The 2023 NFL Draft witnessed a surprising turn of events as the Detroit Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the 12th overall pick. This choice took many by surprise, particularly former Titans General Manager Ran Carthon, who had aspirations of pairing Gibbs with star running back Derrick Henry by trading back from the Titans’ 11th pick. However, Carthon’s plans fell short, and the opportunity to draft Gibbs slipped away, who has since proven to be a standout talent, achieving 10 touchdowns over his first three seasons.
In contrast, Henry, now 30 years old, continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field, having led the league with 16 touchdowns last season, alongside amassing over 1,000 rushing yards for the fifth time in his career. This situation has prompted discussions regarding the Titans’ draft strategy, particularly their decision to select offensive guard Peter Skoronski at the 11th pick, effectively bypassing the chance to add Gibbs to their roster.
As Gibbs settles into a promising role with the Lions, scoring double-digit touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, questions arise about the Titans’ long-term vision for their backfield and their approach to drafting dynamic running back talent. With the likelihood that Henry may depart after this season, the Titans will need to critically reassess their strategy moving forward to ensure they secure impactful players in future drafts.
This episode from the draft underscores the unpredictability and strategic complexity inherent in the NFL draft process. It highlights the need for foresight and adaptability in building a competitive team capable of thriving in the league.