Yet another running back in the line of elite runners out of the Alabama offense, Jahmyr Gibbs looks to prove that he is among the best of them as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need know about the Crimson Tide weapon:
Vitals
Height: 5-11
Weight: 200
Class: Junior
Strengths
An explosive dual-threat back who excelled in his transfer from Georgia Tech, immediately adapting to the Alabama offense as the lead back in a rotation on one of the most efficient running attacks in the country. In his first year with the Crimson Tide he averaged 6.1 yards per carry and netted over 1,300 yards through the air and in the ground with ten touchdowns on the season.
As a runner, Gibbs is a slasher back excelling at finding a hole and screaming through it and turning on a rare second gear to hit the second and third levels quickly. He is excellent at finding wiggle room when immediately pressured behind the line and making moves to find a way out of tackles consistently. He has enough power to churn through tackles, and while not primarily used on the goal line, could function in that capacity if needed. His balance and toolbox in the open field is among the best in college football and he is a home run threat on any given play.
Gibbs did perhaps his best work as a receiver out of the backfield, with rare receiving skills that are highlighted by soft hands and his open field skills he wracked up over 400 yards this last season and can expect that usage to go up at the next level. He is a true weapon out of the backfield and can be game-planned around offensively.
Weaknesses
The immediate concern for Gibbs is his size and play strength. At only 200 pounds it is a necessary question if he can be an every down back in the league. While that has not cropped up yet, durability at the position is extremely important at the next level for feature backs, and you would want Gibbs on the field every play. It also couldn’t hurt to add more strength to break initial contact when defenders do get their hands on him and be more effective in power run packages.
Projection
Jahmyr Gibbs is a highly talented dual threat player who will be targeted early in the NFL for a team wanting their own next Alvin Kamara. His receiving ability and home run threat as a runner will make it hard to take him off the field on any given play. While his size and play strength will need to improve, that should come with natural develop and training with NFL staff who will work with him to get his frame where it needs to be. Look for Gibbs to immediately impact player in the league.
Projection: Top 40 Pick
