The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
Over the past four NFL Drafts, the University of Wyoming has had a pair of linebackers drafted in the third round. It was Logan Wilson going to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 and Chad Muma going to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022.
The next Cowboy linebacker who will hear his name during draft weekend is Easton Gibbs. With the Green Bay Packers potentially looking for help at linebacker, Gibbs could be a potential Day 3 target for Brian Gutekunst. The Wyoming linebacker checks in at No. 86 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Gibbs recorded 42 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. The following season, Gibbs recorded 89 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and four pass deflections. In 2022, the California native recorded 121 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
This past season, Gibbs recorded 109 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and six pass deflections.
“Gibbs was one of the poster boys for Craig Bohl’s developmental program,” Ryan Thorburn, the Wyoming beat writer for The Casper Star-Tribune, said. “A lightly recruited prospect who bided his time behind some other talented linebackers before emerging as one of the best players in the Mountain West. The loyalty Gibbs and several of his classmates showed to Wyoming in the age of the transfer portal helped keep the roster stable.”
Gibbs’ background as a high school safety is evident when he drops in coverage. He looks comfortable dropping back in space and has the change of direction skills to turn and run with tight ends or running backs downfield. He has a high football IQ and good field awareness.
Day 2 of Shrine Bowl practices and another solid day for Wyoming LB Easton Gibbs.
Gibbs, a HS S looks so natural in coverage. pic.twitter.com/tj7nczjXfS
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) January 28, 2024
“Gibbs’ experience playing safety does help him in coverage,” Thorburn said. “Wilson had a similar high school background and no NFL linebacker has more interceptions since he became a focal point on the Bengals’ defense. Gibbs helped Wyoming keep Arizona Cardinals standout tight end Trey McBride out of the end zone and limited projected NFL draft pick Dallin Holker to three catches in recent rivalry games with Colorado State.”
Gibbs has a motor that runs hot and he’s an energetic force on the gridiron. While not a downhill enforcer, Gibbs does a good job of sifting through the trash to make plays in the box against the run. The Wyoming linebacker runs well in the open field and showcases good chase speed.
During his time at Wyoming, Gibbs logged over 300 snaps on special teams. With his quickness and tenacity, Gibbs could carve out on a role on special teams immediately as a rookie.
Fit with the Packers
The Packers may or may not move on from veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell this offseason to save some money. Assuming the Packers move on from Campbell, that would leave Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie. It’s a safe bet that Gutekunst will look to add a body or two to that room this offseason.
Gibbs has the movement skills to match up with running backs and tight ends in coverage, along with the range to make plays sideline-to-sideline against the run. On top of what he could bring to the defense, he could be a hired gun on special teams.
“Gibbs is a highly productive player, but he is also a leader and has a love for the game,” Thorburn said. “As a general manager, you wouldn’t have to worry about his professionalism or work ethic, and he has the skillset to make a difference.”
The Packers are currently projected to have 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, with six of them coming on Day 3, including two picks in the sixth and seventh rounds. With his coverage skills and ability to make an impact immediately on special teams, Gibbs would be a quality pick that late in the draft.
