As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Jahmyr Gibbs.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
5’11” – 200 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who originally attended Georgia Tech, starting as a true freshman and finishing with 89-460-4 (5.2) over seven games in 2020 and adding 24-303-3 receiving. Had a similarly-effective sophomore season of 143-746-4 (5.2) on the ground and 35-465-2 receiving, running back a kick for a touchdown as well. Transferred to Alabama this past year and saw his output expand to 151-926-7 (6.1) as of writing.
Positives:
Has been a productive three-year starter without accumulating too much tread; jumped up to college football’s top conference and played even better this past season. Hard-charging, galloping runner with excellent burst/acceleration and solid deep speed; doesn’t waste time hitting the hole when he finds a lane, being happy to execute the concept as called if possible. Overall vision is very solid, consistently recognizing cutback lanes. Has very quick feet to shuffle and find lanes; nice jump-cuts in the backfield. Capable of making the first man miss, with impressive jukes to break free. Fast enough to outrun defenders to the corner, with a good stiff-arm when he’s near the boundary. Fights to finish runs, with good leg drive to gain additional yardage after contact. Flexibility and contact balance are both very good. Ball security is excellent; four fumbles. Reliable pair of hands with instant mismatch potential as a receiver; has just two career drops. Took 77 snaps from the slot or split out wide this past season. Shows the ability to improvise and create opportunities for his quarterback when the play breaks down. Has additional value as a kick returner, having returned at least a handful of kicks in each season.
Negatives:
On the small side for a feature back, so some teams may not see Gibbs as a true bellcow; didn’t carry a particularly heavy load in school, with only three career games of twenty or more rushing attempts. Works hard to finish his runs, but isn’t going to run over many opponents or break too many tackles. Really struggled in pass protection this past year, and frame is a little bit small for blitz pickup.
Summary:
Frequently compared to Alvin Kamara, Gibbs offers a very similar combination of vision, burst, footwork, elusiveness, and physicality which make him a major threat to rip off chunks of yardage on any given snap, and could be a matchup nightmare as a versatile weapon on passing downs. Should be able to add a dynamic and explosive element to any team’s offense, and although he may end up being part of a one-two punch at the next level, big-play potential could very well earn him a place on the first day of the draft.
Projection: Round 1
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