Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is going to have plenty of interested teams during the 2023 NFL Draft. Widely compared to the likes of Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey, Gibbs projects as a three-down running back that should be able to come in and start from Day 1. While he’s no Bijan Robinson, he should go off the board either late in the first round or early in the second.
Jahmyr Gibbs is a VIOLENT runner 😳
Several NFL scouts believe the Alabama RB compares well to that of Alvin Kamara.
Gibbs is currently prepping for the NFL Combine. pic.twitter.com/QihmhBxwW0
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 17, 2023
Top 5 Teams That Could Draft Jahmyr Gibbs
Kansas City Chiefs
Perfectly blending talent and need, the Kansas City Chiefs would be the perfect team for Jahmyr Gibbs. The reigning Super Bowl champions desperately need a running back, as Clyde Edwards-Helaire has not played up to his draft status and Isiah Pacheco doesn’t have the three-down skillset that head coach Andy Reid craves.
Gibbs runs with the fury of a much larger back and has some of the softest hands in his class, so he should be able to handle a three-down workload in the most dangerous offense in football. With teams focusing on stopping Patrick Mahomes through the air, Gibbs should be able to gouge opposing defenses and their lighter boxes.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills signed Damien Harris to replace Devin Singletary, but that’s basically a lateral move. This team still needs an upgrade at running back, and Jahmyr Gibbs is likely to be the best option on the board. The Bills could use another receiving threat in the passing game, and Gibbs could be the second-best option behind superstar Stefon Diggs. Josh Allen will always be a dangerous part of the running game, but combining him with a legitimate running back like Gibbs could lead to a near-unstoppable rushing attack.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the more analytically-inclined teams in the league, so perhaps they won’t want to draft a running back like Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. However, they do have two first-round picks, so they might allow themselves a luxury pick. If that’s the case, Gibbs should thrive behind arguably the best offensive line in football and one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara will likely serve a significant suspension to start the 2023 season, and the five-time Pro Bowler is not getting any younger. The Saints should think about finding the heir to Kamara’s throne, so they might as well draft a guy that perfectly fits his skill set. Gibbs could seamlessly fill in for Kamara without the offense skipping a beat, and he should be a nice fit with first-year Saints quarterback Derek Carr.
Los Angeles Chargers
There is trouble in paradise, as running back Austin Ekeler is clearly not happy with his current team. Ekeler will return to the Chargers if he’s unable to find a trade partner, but it’s safe to assume he won’t stick around after 2023. Los Angeles currently holds the 21st pick in the NFL Draft, which is a little early for Jahmyr Gibbs. However, if they trade back, they could easily take him later on in the first round and get an extra pick as an added bonus.
Honorable Mention: Dallas Cowboys
Main Photo: Gary Cosby – USA Today Sports
