2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs brings a unique skill set to the table. We analyze how his game will transition to the NFL here.

Jahmyr Gibbs spent two seasons at Georgia Tech where he was highly productive before transferring to Alabama for this season.

Overview

Birthdate: 3/20/2002 (20.8)

Height/Weight: 5-foot-11, 200 pounds

High School: Dalton (Dalton, GA)

Recruit: 2020 class- No. 76 Natl No. 8 RB

2022 Stats: 151 Att 926 Yards 7 TD 38 MTF 44 Rec 444 Yards 3 TD

2022 PFF Grade: 80.2

2021 Stats: 143 Att 746 Yards 4 TD 34 MTF 36 Rec 470 Yards 2 TD

2021 PFF Grade: 88.4

Strengths

• Receiving Ability
  • Trusted Weapon in pass game
    • Good hands- 2 career drops on 123 targets.
    • Can line up as a receiver: 33 slot snaps- 10th in FBS for RBs, 44 wide snaps- 4th in FBS for RBs.
  • Elusive with ball in his hands
    • 19 missed tackles forced on catches- 2nd in FBS for RBs.
    • Difficult for defenders to get their hands on him with his speed and ability to change speeds.
  • Proven Track Record
    • 2022 Alabama: 44 Rec 444 Yards 3 TD- 444 Yds is 3rd in FBS for RBs
    • 2021 Georgia Tech: 36 Rec 470 Yards 2 TD- 470 Yds is 1st in FBS for RBs
    • 2020 Georgia Tech: 23 Rec 301 Yards 3 TD- 301 Yds is 9th in FBS for RBs

• Elusiveness
  • Acceleration/Burst
    • Ability to change speeds is amongst the best for a RB in this class.
    • Forces defenders to not even get their hands on him even when they a good angle to tackle him.
    • Not just fast, but very quick- important traits for RBs.
    • Ability to go from 0 to 100 is remarkable.

• Open Field Speed
  • Big Play Ability
    • Home run hitter type of back, highly valued in today’s game.
    • Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 12 plays of 40+ yards in his career.
  • Breakaway Speed
    • Amongst the best for RBs in this class.
    • Can separate from some DBs in the open field, impressive speed.
• Cutback Ability
  • Displays Good Vision
    • Knows when and where to make cuts to get into the open field.
    • Hits holes created by the offensive line with good burst/acceleration.

Weaknesses

• Physicality as a runner
  • Power
    • Not great at running through contact.
    • Typically makes defenders miss with speed and elusiveness, as opposed to power.

  • Breaking Tackles
    • Doesn’t force missed tackles at a super high rate compared to other top backs in this class and last year’s class.
      • Jahmyr Gibbs: 35 MTF on 136 Att- 26%
      • Bijan Robinson: 104 MTF 257 Att- 41%
      • Breece Hall 2021: 76 MTF on 251 Att- 30%
      • Ken Walker 2021: 88 MTF on 262 Att- 34%

• Every down back?
  • Role in NFL backfield
    • Only gotten 20+ carries in three out of 30 career games.
    • 136 carries last season: Not a lot compared to other backs.
      • Bijan Robinson 257 carries, Blake Corum 248 carries
    • Doubtful he can be focal point of an NFL offense.
    • Can likely excel in a split backfield, but won’t be a 20+ carry, every down type of back
  • RB value?
    • Positional value of RBs is decreasing in today’s NFL.
    • Last four drafts: 4 RBs in first round.
    • 2022 draft: no RBs off board in first round.
    • How does this effect Gibbs’ draft stock?

Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama: Final Evaluation

Pos Rank: RB2

Projection: Mid Second Round

Jahmyr Gibbs can provide a lot of value to an offense in a split backfield with his receiving and big play ability.