In this 2023 NFL Draft profile, I'll be breaking down Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
If you have not already, make sure you read my 2023 NFL Draft Profile for Bijan Robinson!
Gibbs has unreal acceleration and speed for days, combined with elite pass-catching prowess. The big question mark surrounding the 21-year-old is whether or not he can be a lead back in the NFL.
Still, his skill set will be a welcoming addition to any roster.
So let's dive into his profile and highlight potential landing spots along with their Fantasy Football implications.
2023 NFL Draft Profile: Jahmyr Gibbs
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- College: Alabama
- Position: Running Back
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 200lbs
- Age: 21
College
Jahmyr Gibbs was a 4-star recruit from Dalton, Georgia, where he attended Dalton High School. He was a top-50 prospect overall and the 4th-ranked running back of his class. He became a starter his sophomore season but only popped up on scouts' radars in his junior year after running for 1,431 rushing yards on 163 attempts while averaging 8.8 yards per carry with 22 total touchdowns.
His senior year was by far the highlight of his high school campaign. Gibbs erupted for a state-best 2,554 rushing yards on 233 attempts while averaging an insane 11 yards per carry to go along with 40 total touchdowns. That season Gibbs earned All-State honors along with the Georgia 6-A 2020 Offensive Player of the Year award. In addition, he was named a first-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, which catapulted him into the nation's top 75 players. He would go on to receive offers from high-profile universities such as Ohio State, Florida State, Texas, LSU, Alabama, Georgia Tech, and Florida.
Ultimately, Gibbs ended up enrolling in-state at Georgia Tech. In his first year as a Yellow Jacket, he ran for 460 yards on 89 attempts, four touchdowns, 303 yards on 24 receptions, and three touchdowns through the air across seven games.
In an increased role in his sophomore year, Gibbs rushed 143 times for 746 yards with four rushing touchdowns. He gained another 465 yards on 35 receptions through the air with two touchdowns over 12 games. His tenure as a Yellow Jacket would end after his first two seasons, with Gibbs electing to enter the transfer portal.
Shortly after, he would become a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide heading into 2022 as a junior, where he garnered second-team All-SEC honors as their lead running back. Gibbs appeared in 12 games for Alabama, where he ran for 926 yards on 151 attempts and a stellar 6.1 yards per carry, seven touchdowns, and no fumbles while adding in 44 receptions and 444 yards through the air with three touchdowns.
Strengths
Jahmyr Gibbs is phenomenal as a runner and pass catcher, with arguably the best all-around skillset in the 2023 RB class. His versatility and experience on special teams make it easy to plug him into any offensive scheme.
Gibbs has an advanced route tree and unbelievably soft hands for a running back. His elite speed and the ability to hit second gear in the blink of an eye are like no other back in the class. If he can get to the outside, he can burn past defenders and is a threat to take it to the house whenever he touches the football.
Jahmyr Gibbs is truly electric and has an effortless running style. He's a methodical and patient runner with an excellent first step who knows how to follow his blocks. The fluidity and vision he runs with, combined with his explosiveness and world-class acceleration, allow him to burst through holes with ease.
Gibbs is a wizard in space with his gorgeous footwork and ability to stop on a dime, then turn on the burners at the drop of a hat. He has natural hands and can easily be utilized as a slot receiver. He understands defenses and how to sit down in zone coverage or work back to his quarterback on broken plays and scramble drills.
Play callers will be drooling over Gibbs' versatility. He can stretch defenses wide and has the elusiveness to make any tackler miss in space. In addition, his jaw-dropping acceleration and pass-catching prowess will allow them to utilize him creatively and take advantage of mismatches on opposing defenses.
While he may not be a lead back at the next level, Gibbs will fit effortlessly into any offensive scheme and be the perfect complementary piece to its rushing attack.
Weaknesses
Jamyhr Gibbs certainly has the versatility both as a runner and a pass catcher, but he'll likely never be a 20-touch-per-game power back as a pro. There are concerns he could see his effectiveness between the tackles diminish at the professional level and will be better off on a pitch count as an RB2.
Gibbs split carries down the middle with Jordan Mason at Georgia Tech, and even though he led the way with 53.5% of the snaps at Alabama, he often was spelled by multiple other backs. It's hard to imagine he's suddenly going to be a bell cow in the NFL with no objective evidence of him doing it in college.
Even with his world-class speed and acceleration, he often is quickly bottled up on running plays called between the tackles. His skill set, at this point, is better suited for designed outside runs and jet sweeps. A team with an established lead back who won't ask Gibbs to be their every down back will likely be the best-case scenario for him.
The biggest knock on him is how much work his pass-blocking needs. He was only asked to do it sometimes at Alabama and will need a lot of coaching and practice before he can be a trusted pass-blocker at the NFL level.
In addition, while he has excellent footwork, it can sometimes get him into trouble. For example, Gibbs can get caught dancing in the backfield if his first read isn't there and then rely on his speed and craftiness to escape danger. In the NFL, that type of wasted motion will lead to negative plays more times than not.
Fantasy Outlook
For non-Superflex Dynasty, look for Gibbs to be drafted in the top five picks of rookie-only drafts and as high as 1.02, behind Bijan Robinson.
However, the fact his pass-blocking and physicality leave much to be desired, could hold him back from being a true every-down type of running back. Gibbs' best and likely path to becoming a must-start Fantasy asset will be his ability as a pass-catcher. With his skill set, he could be a PPR monster.
Still, Fantasy managers must be patient early on and temper their expectations based on the team fit.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins made do with a pair of veterans in Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert last season, but neither are locks to return to the roster. Therefore, Miami could address its need for more depth at the position through the draft.
With his speed, vision, and versatility as a runner and passer, Gibbs could fit right into Mike McDaniel's offense.
Could you imagine the speed and play designs of an offense with Tyreke Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Jahmyr Gibbs in it? It would be must-see TV!
New Orleans Saints
Gibbs has already drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara because of his elusiveness, speed, and ability as a pass catcher. However, Kamara is turning 28 this July and is on the opposite end of the age cliff for running backs.
There's also the potential suspension looming for him, so his age and uncertainty could leave the Saints with no choice but to draft his replacement.
Gibbs projects to go as early as the end of the first round and guess who will be on the clock at 30 via the Sean Payton deal?
While it may not be the best Fantasy fit, there's a definitive path to Jahmyr Gibbs landing with the New Orleans Saints.
Bottom Line
Gibbs' abilities as a runner and pass-catcher, combined with his unbelievable acceleration and speed, are like no other running back in this year's draft. His versatility will make it easy for teams to find a role for him in their offense, regardless of tendency.
While his pass blocking undoubtedly needs improvement, Jahmyr Gibbs can mold into a top-tier NFL running back with the proper coaching. He'll be a highly coveted asset on an NFL roster with a late-first to mid-second-round grade.
Check out Evan's Bijan Robinson 2023 NFL Draft Profile and our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft
