Jahmyr Gibbs NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200 lbs
School: University of Alabama
2023 NFL Draft: Jahmyr Gibbs Scouting Report
Jahmyr Gibbs is a stellar running back from the University of Alabama. He began his career at Georgia Tech with a minimal role. The Yellow Jackets utilized Gibbs primarily as a special teams player and as a pass-catching back. He had 460 rushing yards on 89 attempts with 303 receiving yards during his first season with Georgia Tech. He also added seven touchdowns to that tally.
Jahmyr Gibbs Career at Alabama
Gibbs was much better the next season with 746 rushing yards on 143 attempts and 465 receiving yards. After his sophomore season, he transferred to the University of Alabama for the 2022 season.
Gibbs was even better at Alabama with 926 rushing yards on 151 carries and seven scores on the ground. The elusive back also received for 444 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He racked up an impressive 1,628 all-purpose yards and was honored as a second-team all-SEC running back. He meshed very well with Bryce Young as a mobile quarterback. When Young would break protection or check down he could look for Gibbs underneath for easy completions. Those two were dangerous at Alabama, always threatening to turn a busted play into a home run.
How Gibbs Measures Up in the NFL
Gibbs’ skillset matches up very well in the current NFL. He has great speed and a low center of gravity with elite pass-catching ability. Gibbs could step into a three-down back role immediately depending on where he is drafted. The former Alabama running back was at his best when the offense would stall. Nik Saben’s offense would then work to get Gibbs the ball, jump-starting Bryce Young and the Crimson Tide.
Jahmyr Gibbs: 92.6 receiving grade since 2020
Highest among Power Five RBs🔥 pic.twitter.com/crrUE8m89m
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 8, 2023
Gibbs greatest weakness is his physicality. He lacks the elite physicality and strength required for running between the tackles and for run blocking. This lack of physicality could cost him opportunities early in his career. He will have to work to build strength to match the physical demands of the NFL to excel in pass-blocking as well as running in the trenches if he wants to stay on the field all three downs and become a feature back.
Strengths
- Pass-catching ability
- Elite speed and quickness
- Creates mismatches in the pass game
- Vision to find a hole
- Potential special teams returner
Weaknesses
- Lacking physicality
- Struggles to run between tackles
- Hesitancy hitting the hole
- Needs work in pass protection
- Light collegiate workload could lead to durability issues
NFL Player Comparison: Tony Pollard, Alvin Kamara
Projection: Late First Round
Teams With Need at Running Back: Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers
Final Thoughts on Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs said that he’s received “feedback” that suggests he could be selected between picks 20 and 25 in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Alabama RB said his last clocking in the 40-yard dash was a 4.32 😳 pic.twitter.com/nIE4RKErAb
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 2, 2023
Gibbs is an elusive back with elite pass-catching ability. He showcased his abilities at both the University of Alabama and Georgia Tech. Gibbs has earned his reputation as a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands.
The former Crimson Tide back has the potential to become a three-down back in the NFL with his running and pass-catching abilities. He would be the best fit in an offense that runs read options and thrives from running back check-downs. Gibbs is similar to Pollard and Kamara that he will thrive running outside the tackles and in one-on-one route-running against opposing linebackers.
The downside for Gibbs is his size and lack of physicality. Gibbs could stumble when opposing defenses blitz and he is up against elite pass rushers. He will have to work to improve his pass protection if he is to stay on the field for obvious passing downs. If he can match up with a team looking to emphasize the running back passing game he could become an elite player in the NFL from the start of his career.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
