Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs – Andrew Wevers/USA TODAY Sports
Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is my favorite player in the 2023 NFL draft. I see Gibbs as having the most guaranteed upside of any player on the board. He looks a lot like the New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara on tape and if he doesn’t reach “Kamara status” in the NFL, he should easily be one of the best third-down backs in the league.
The speedster ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but it’s his tape that makes me feel so strongly about his potential. During the 2022 college football season, Gibbs looked spectacular, catching the ball out of the backfield. He displayed great hands while looking like a fluid and natural pass catcher. He totaled 44 receptions for 444 yards last season. In addition, the do-it-all back had 151 rushes for 926 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
Gibbs likely fits best in a pass-heavy offense that utilizes outside-zone runs. Some of his longest rushes happened in Alabama’s outside zone scheme last season. His explosive play-making ability only adds to his value. Gibbs had rushes of 17 or more yards in 10 of Alabama’s 12 games last season. He also posted five games with receptions of 17 or more yards. If that’s not a big play waiting to happen, I don’t know what is.
There are questions out there about Gibbs’ vision as a runner, but when I watch his tape, I don’t share those doubts. Gibbs is quick and decisive when he makes cuts, and that often leads to big plays. He also shows some patience, waiting on his blocks to develop, especially in outside zone plays. I would go as far as to say he has better-than-average vision for a back.
With all of Gibbs’ upside, there are areas of concern. Gibbs did not participate in the bench press portion of the combine. That fact, paired with his smaller upper body, naturally leads to questions about his strength. While he does play with adequate power in his lower body, his upper body strength seems to be lacking. This shows up primarily in his pass-blocking effectiveness. Obviously, Gibbs adds more dimension to a team by running routes out of the backfield, but if he wants to get more early down snaps at running back, he will have to add strength and pass-blocking ability.
Who Will Draft Jahmyr Gibbs?
Given this evaluation, where does Gibbs fit in this year’s draft? There are more than a few places I could see him landing. The Cowboys could take Gibbs with the 26th pick in the first round, but that could prove an awkward fit, with Tony Pollard’s skills somewhat overlapping Gibbs’.
The New Orleans Saints could be tempted to take the back as an heir apparent to Kamara with the 29th pick in the first round. Many expect Kamara to miss several games to start the 2023 NFL season as the result of an arrest following a February 5, 2022, fight at a Las Vegas venue. Gibbs could step into that role and make Kamara trade bait after he returns from any suspension.
After that, things get very interesting, with the Philadelphia Eagles having the 30th pick and obvious room for Gibbs on their roster. The Eagles reportedly met with Gibbs at the NFL Combine. Pairing Gibbs with former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts would give the Eagles even more athletic firepower on the field at one time.
Some analysts feel as if the Cardinals might like to pair Gibbs with quarterback Kyler Murray creating a super athletic duo. The same could be said for the Panthers if they select an athletic QB with the first pick in the draft. There’s also some speculation the Dolphins could add Gibbs to one of the fastest offenses in the league.
Overall, I think it is nearly impossible that Gibbs lasts beyond the Atlanta Falcons’ 44th overall pick in the second round. The Falcons have met with Gibbs, showing some level of interest. Gibbs could help Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder as he transitions into a full-time NFL starter.
Ultimately, Gibbs is an athletic and exciting player that has multiple teams intrigued. I believe his draft stock will rise because of the potential of multiple suitors. Adding to the intrigue is a trend among the past two Super Bowl winners. The 2022 Kansas City Chiefs ranked as the top team in the NFL in total offense but came in at 11th in total defense. The 2021 Los Angeles Rams ranked in the top ten in total offense but ranked 17th in the league in total defense. It appears explosive offenses with explosive players win championships in today’s NFL, and all of that looks good for Gibbs moving forward.
