The first major wave of free agency is officially over, which means it’s time for teams to truly start turning their focus towards the NFL Draft. In his latest mock draft, Mike Kashuba predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs will select running back Jahmyr Gibbs with their first round pick.
Kansas City Chiefs Select Jahmyr Gibbs in Mock Draft
Jahmyr Gibbs the Player
Jahmyr Gibbs is great at just about everything, but his best trait is probably his speed. Blessed with 4.36 speed, the Alabama product can blow past defenders, and he wastes no time in reaching his top speed.
He’s more than just a straight-line threat, however. Gibbs possesses an elite ability to come to a complete stop, change direction, and regain his speed before defenders can even realize what’s happened. Basically, as a runner, he can beat you with speed and shiftiness, making him a threat to make a big play every single time he touches the ball.
Of course, the Junior is more than just a one-dimension runner. There is a strong case to be made that Gibbs’ ability to catch the ball is his best trait, and one he displayed regularly in college. Throughout his three years in college, Gibbs recorded 103 receptions for 1,212 yards and eight touchdowns, good for a staggering 11.8 yards per reception – a phenomenal number for a running back.
I went into Jahmyr Gibbs’ film really hoping he’d underwhelm so I could push Tyjae Spears RB2 narratives.
Safe to say I was a fool for ever doubting this guy’s talent, because good lord he is something else!pic.twitter.com/jD3r1bcJUv
— David Miller (@millerfootball_) March 16, 2023
Jahmyr Gibbs is no Bijan Robinson (nobody is), but there is a strong case to be made that he is the second-best running back in this draft class. Of course, having talent is one thing, but scheme fit truly sets the ceiling. So, let’s take a look at how this mock draft projects Jahmyr Gibbs to fit in the Kansas City offense.
How Jahmyr Gibbs Fits the Chiefs
Taking a running back in the first round is never a great idea from a positional value standpoint, but with that being said, this mock draft realizes that Jahmyr Gibbs and the Chiefs are a match made in heaven. Isiah Pacheco played admirably down the stretch last year, but the former seventh-round pick is probably better off in a backup role. Gibbs has the build to play on all three downs, and his strengths – and weaknesses – align perfectly with Kansas City.
The Chiefs have arguably the fastest collection of skill players in the league, and Gibbs would only add to that. While that electric ability will definitely show up against all the empty boxes the Chiefs face, he’d also be able to demonstrate his elite speed in the passing game. Andy Reid loves throwing the ball to his running backs, and Gibbs should be able to take advantage of those wide-open schemed plays. After all, if an aging Jerick McKinnon can haul in nine receiving touchdowns, just think about what Gibbs could do.
The one major weakness in Gibbs’ game is pass blocking, but that’s not a big deal in Kansas City. Reid rarely asks his running backs to stay behind in protection, so any shortcomings in this regard won’t keep him off the field.
The Chiefs have been looking for a three-down running back ever since the end of the Kareem Hunt Era, and this mock draft finally gives them one of those. Sure, it’s not the best value pick, but Gibbs would make an already dangerous offense all the more lethal.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
