When the Detroit Lions made a bold move on draft day in 2023, few could have predicted just how transformative it would be. What initially felt like a head-scratching decision has since become one of the most impactful trades in franchise history—and perhaps the greatest draft-day maneuver the Lions have ever pulled off.
It all started when general manager Brad Holmes traded down from the No. 6 overall pick to No. 12. Fans expected a safe, conventional choice. Instead, Holmes shocked the football world by selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs. At a time when many teams devalue the running back position in the first round, this pick raised eyebrows across the league.
But Holmes saw something special. He believed Gibbs was more than just a runner—he was a dynamic offensive weapon capable of changing the entire identity of the Lions' attack. And just a few years later, that vision has been validated in spectacular fashion.
Through his first three NFL seasons, Gibbs has racked up 49 total touchdowns—the most by any player in NFL history over that span to start a career. His explosive speed, versatility in the passing game, and ability to turn any touch into a big play have made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. Defenses now game-plan specifically for him, which opens up opportunities for the entire offense.
What once looked like a reach now looks like a masterstroke.
But the trade's brilliance didn't stop there. With the No. 34 overall pick, Holmes selected tight end Sam LaPorta out of Iowa. While this move didn't generate the same buzz, it quietly completed a draft sequence that would reshape the Lions' offense from the ground up. LaPorta quickly developed into a reliable, productive target—showcasing polished route running, toughness, and the ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties alike.
Together, Gibbs and LaPorta have become the heart of Detroit's offense. Their chemistry and complementary skill sets have turned the Lions into one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. For a franchise that has long searched for a defining draft moment, this trade may very well be the one that changed everything.