Jahmyr Gibbs NFL Draft Prospect Profile and Scouting Report

Name: Jahmyr Gibbs

School: Alabama

Year: Junior

Position: Running Back

Measurables: 5’11” , 200 lbs.

 

Stats:

Courtesy of Sports-Reference

 

General Info:

Gibbs was a four-star, top-300 ESPN prospect out of high school. Gibbs chose Georgia Tech over 16 other offers, including Ole Miss, North Carolina, and Florida. 

Gibbs recorded 219 all-purpose yards in his first career game at Georgia Tech (66 rushing, 60 receiving, 75 kickoff), and scored two touchdowns (one rec., one rush). He was named second-team freshman all-American by The Athletic, even though he only played in seven games due to a season ending injury. 

Gibbs played a full 12-game slate as a sophomore at Georgia Tech, increasing his production from his freshman campaign. Gibbs was his team’s leading rusher in five games and the leading receiver in four games. 

Gibbs entered the transfer portal after his sophomore season and decided to join powerhouse Alabama, being named the starting running back before the season. At Alabama, Gibbs was able to showcase his rushing and receiving talents in a high-powered offense. Gibbs was named third-team all-American by the Associated Press in 2022 as an all-purpose player. 

 

Positional Skills:

Strengths:

Speed, speed, speed. 

Gibbs is an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands and in space, showcased by his Barry Sanders-like footwork, absurd change-of-direction ability, and world-class speed. He is able to use his speed to make positives out of busted plays with jaw-dropping acceleration, also causing many defenders to whiff with his juke ability. 

Gibbs is explosive when hitting the hole as a runner, letting his blocks set up and using an extra gear to explode when he sees an opening. Has the attributes of a much smaller back in that he is very slippery and elusive as a runner, even at 5’11”, 200 pounds. He is able to break nearly every arm tackle he faces. Was a three-down back at Alabama, asked to run between the tackles, on designed outside runs, and jet sweeps. Averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2022.

It’s hard to believe Gibbs is a running back when watching him as a receiver. He has natural hands and is a silky smooth receiver, and appears to have a very advanced route tree for a running back. Gains separation with elite footwork and speed, even throwing in the occasional double move. Has an understanding of getting open on scramble drills, and also understands where he can safely sit in zone coverage. 

Gibbs attacks the ball in the air rather than let it come to him, advanced skills for a player listed as a running back. Often lined up as a receiver and was utilized out of the backfield on screen plays and as a checkdown for his quarterback and averaged 10.1 yards per reception in 2022 on 44 receptions. 

Gibbs has great size for the running back position, especially valuable for the rigors of the NFL. He displays toughness every time he touches the ball and always fights for the extra yard. Has a motor that never stops when face-to-face with tacklers, reminiscent of Chiefs rookie running back Isiah Pacheco.

Also has experience returning kickoffs and averaged 23.9 yards per return on 44 returns in three years.

 

Weaknesses:

Even with his speed and acceleration, Gibbs at times seems to get easily bottled up when running on designed straight-line runs between the tackles, especially at the point-of-attack. He’s most productive as a receiver or running outside the tackle box, limiting his three-down ability. 

Gibbs was not asked to do much pass protection at Alabama, and would likely need more coaching and work on this at the next level to be trusted. 

Although a three-down back at Alabama, Gibbs seems best suited as a complementary back in the NFL, at least to start his career. Has the build to withstand the beating, but may be more of a gadget player early in his career. 

Gibbs often does too much dancing in the backfield if there is nothing there and tries to use his speed to compensate, leading to negative yardage plays. 

 

Fit with the Packers:

Gibbs is a true dual threat running back, with elite ability as a receiver. The addition of Gibbs would be like drafting a receiver and running back with one pick. If Jordan Love ends up at quarterback in 2023, it would be beneficial to surround him with as many weapons as possible, especially a player of Gibbs’ caliber.  

With Aaron Jones set to count just over $20 million against the cap in 2023 (barring a restructure), an addition like Gibbs could allow the Packers to move on from Jones and get a bigger and faster, albeit unpolished, player in Gibbs. If Jones were to restructure and remain in Green Bay, the addition of Gibbs would give the Packers their very own version of San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey. Add in AJ Dillion, and the Packers would be lethal at the running back position.

Brian Gutekunst took Dillion in the second round of the 2020 draft, so it is not out of the question for ‘Gutey’ to nab a running back early. With the looming contract situation of Jones and Dillon entering the final year of his rookie deal, don’t be surprised if the Packers select a running back early in the 2023 draft. Gibbs might be the best available all-around weapon at any position this year. 

 

3 points
 

Comments (37)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
PackyCheese500's picture

February 06, 2023 at 06:03 pm

More running backs? Let's get into the Tight Ends, Safeties, Edge Rushers, and Defensive Linemen. Nothing against Gibbs, who looks like a great prospect, but I just don't think RB is large enough of a need to warrant early selection of one.

Besides, we have Dillon, Goodson, and Taylor, who should do just fine as long as the OL can block next year

4 points
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nygary's picture

February 06, 2023 at 08:30 pm

great point cheese500. All this talk about more RB'S. If we don't improve the DL and OL i don't care who's running the ball this team go's nowhere. We need quality big guys.

4 points
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PackerAaron's picture

February 07, 2023 at 11:21 am

The draft is in 79 days.

0 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

February 06, 2023 at 07:10 pm

Yes! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of Gibbs on our roster! I personally would start him mostly as a slot WR where he’d be AWESOME.
He could do gadget plays and returns too, or if A Jones leaves, platoon with Dillon!

8 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:53 pm

That is an interesting idea...he did lead the Tide in receptions this year. He could be good in the slot. How is his blocking?

1 points
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bjkdad44's picture

February 07, 2023 at 09:11 am

My thoughts exactly

1 points
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stockholder's picture

February 06, 2023 at 07:34 pm

Game changer. Good fit.

3 points
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Duneslick's picture

February 06, 2023 at 07:36 pm

Aaron Jones 5 9 208 Gibbs 5 11 200. Gibbs is bigger Come on

1 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 06, 2023 at 07:48 pm

Would rather have Zach Charbonnet...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcBoK-ydc9I

4 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:16 pm

I like Charbonnet too, and a half dozen other RBs this year, but Bijan and Jahmyr are at a different level.

1 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 06, 2023 at 11:15 pm

Maybe. They might both get injured and then you have a high draft pick injured and unavailable. (I know it can happen to anyone.) I watched quite a few Texas games. Robinson fumbled in a couple critical situations, so I'd rather not go down that road.

IDK much about Gibbs at all.

I just think in Lambeau, in Dec and January, Charbonnet would be the better choice. He's got great hands and will probably be better in Pass Pro once he learns the ropes.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 07, 2023 at 01:39 am

He's like Levens, Ryan Grant types.

3 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 07, 2023 at 09:56 am

Reminds me a bit of John Brockington, only smoother, better pass catcher, and faster...

Charbonnet catches passes out of the backfield better than Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon in my opinion. He definitely gets north and south without screwing around...

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 07, 2023 at 10:11 am

He's a playmaker.

0 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:52 pm

Would rather wait till day 3 to address the RB

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 07, 2023 at 01:40 am

Eric Gray

3 points
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bjkdad44's picture

February 07, 2023 at 09:14 am

I want this guy on our team… please!

3 points
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splitpea1's picture

February 06, 2023 at 07:56 pm

If we were to lose Jones, that's going to be a huge void to fill....and if we were to acquire an extra second round pick via trade, then Gibbs would deserve a serious look--you can't always count on finding gems like Jones in the fifth round. I love good all-around players, and this guy fits the bill. He's young to boot, which will give him plenty of time to work on his pass protection.

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:50 pm

We may have our man in Tyler Goodson already. At least give him a shot in what is likely to be a lost 2023 season. We have too many needs to pick a RB this high

5 points
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bjkdad44's picture

February 07, 2023 at 09:15 am

Zac Charbonai too please!

3 points
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MooPack's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:15 pm

Two big if's.

1) If Rodgers gets traded and the Packers get the 7th from the Raiders or the 13th from the Jets.
2) If the Packers trade or let go of Aaron Jones.

Then go after the top RB. IMO, if both of those happen, then go after the top RB. Not some 4th or 5th round RB just because we found Jones there in the past. That's an outlier. You want a Top RB in ALL phases of your the running and passing game, you're not going to get that lucky in most years. Is it possible, yes. Is it likely, No.

If both those things happen, I'd draft Bijan Robinson. 2" taller. 15-20 lbs heavier than Gibbs and simply better. He is the best RB in ALL phases (running, blocking, pass catching). It's not that close. He is the best offensive player in the draft. The argument that RB's are a dime a dozen is true only if you want to get one that is just serviceable and moves the chains when blocking conditions are right. Do you believe the Packers have the Oline that consistently gives the RB the correct blocking condition? Short yardage? Hmmm? I'd be surprised if you do. Again, IMO, get one that is a playmaker and one that has to be accounted for every single play. One that can overcome deficient blocking like Jones in a bigger body. One that draws that defense in and instils some fear. I like Dillon, who flashes at times, but he is not that. I don't know why, but he struggles at times to get what isn't given to him. He needs more head of steam to get going. However, Bijan Robinson would be that. Watch a lot of tape on him. Not just highlights. Get Robinson ~ 220 lbs. as the workhorse and follow up with Dillon at ~ 250 lbs. Pound the defense into submission with under the center play calling.

Many will say we need that TE first or that WR first (I think we got one). I disagree, if you don't have that true RB1 first. Can you get by? Sure. I'm also sure the examples will abound, but I believe a true Top RB1 will add more to the offense. The RB, as much as that position has been maligned, is more important. The RB1 gets more touches in a game and more potential to make a bigger impact play-to-play than either of the others. Bijan Robinson is a different playmaker than usual.

Also, RB's start faster than TE's and WR's. That may be partly due to Rodgers, but it is true of other teams as well. RB's can and do step in immediately and make an impact on the offense. If both of those things above happen, the Packers can't regress in that part of the offense. Love is going to need a solid running game to ease some of that pressure.

One more time, If the Packers don't get that extra higher pick and Aaron Jones remains, then no. Find one later.

2 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:19 pm

I agree, though I think Bijan will be gone before #15.

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

February 06, 2023 at 09:52 pm

Shelf life for RBs is short. If the OL can't block, Robinson wouldn't do anything. Hard pass on a round 1 RB. Let's take an edge rusher or DB instead

4 points
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MooPack's picture

February 06, 2023 at 10:41 pm

Well I disagree on Robinson. A very good RB is good for approx 6-8 years. That's very good ROI on a RB. Jones has been very good despite a lack luster Oline. I believe Robinson will be even better. Of course, that's my opinion. Do you really believe a defensive player is going to make this team better with Joe Barry as Coordinator or do you believe an offensive playmaker is going to make this team better now? That is pretty key in my thinking. If Joe Barry is gone, you may have a more valid point, but I don't think he will be.

Again, this depends on if Aaron Jones is gone.

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

February 07, 2023 at 08:17 am

The Packers have had one of the league's best O-lines from 2019-2021.

1 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 07, 2023 at 10:00 am

Yeah, they were great right up until a twist or stunt they couldn't deal with in the playoffs. Great teams figure out a way to block up those must have 3rd downs and we couldn't... Or the QB hits his hot read, instead of getting swarmed under when it counts.

4 points
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T7Steve's picture

February 07, 2023 at 10:03 am

I'm not understanding what the O-lines of 2019-2021 have to do with the O-line next year?

Last year they didn't practice together enough and got shown up in games by stunts and blitzes. If they don't become more reliable, next season will be a long one for the offense.

2 points
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bjkdad44's picture

February 07, 2023 at 09:23 am

I agree… what a find this would be!!! He’s awesome…. You are totally correct in all your observations!!!

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 06, 2023 at 11:56 pm

Since Jones and Dillon could both be gone by 2024, we could use a guy who might become the bellcow after his rookie year. I like this guy and I think he'll be a really good player.

But.

I'm 99.44% certain that this organization has a strategy for the draft, and that strategy includes not drafting skill position players in the first round, QBs excepted. Short history: In 2002 Javon Walker was our first round pick. In the 20 years since then, we've taken Rodgers and Love. We took a couple of offensive linemen late in the first, and everybody else has been a defender.

So during this leadup to the draft, I try to bear that in mind. We're not taking Gibbs in the first round. I've done some simulations where he's available in the early part of the 2nd round, and I've taken him, but I've found that I probably could get a really good RB later in the draft easier than I could get a top WR or TE, and those two positions are more important, IMO, than our #3 RB. I think we'd get more benefit out of a quality offensive lineman.

I like Roschon Johnson at #115

6 points
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bjkdad44's picture

February 07, 2023 at 09:25 am

Wonder why the downvote… ? Makes perfect sense to me!

0 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 07, 2023 at 10:02 am

There is one guy/gal who down-votes any reasonable, well-thought-out comments.

3 points
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T7Steve's picture

February 07, 2023 at 10:12 am

I guess I better start thinking out my comments more. Thought whoever it was just didn't like old people, and me in particular. Too sarcastic and tongue in cheek.

I really don't mind the down votes and encourage them if I get an explanation.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 07, 2023 at 12:52 pm

There's a group of people here that I've made upset, and they'll downvote me if I say "good morning". I refer to them as the South Pole Society because their compass consistently points the wrong way. There's 4-5 of them.

1 points
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T7Steve's picture

February 07, 2023 at 01:51 pm

I usually thumbs up you (or anyone actually) even if we disagree, because I usually resect it and want to continue with the conversation. The ones that don't comment don't matter.

-1 points
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HarryHodag's picture

February 07, 2023 at 02:02 pm

One thing to remember is in the current NFL running backs are a dime-a-dozen. Lots of talent available but with the pass-crazy nature of the modern game they are less a priority.

Aaron Jones was a fifth round pick in 2017. Good running backs can be had further down the draft. This is admittedly a position of need. After Jones and Dillon, pickings are slim. Jones might well be gone before the season starts.
I suspect there will be a move to bring in another back, but probably not early in the draft.

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

February 07, 2023 at 02:47 pm

They always draft camp bodies, and you hope they find a diamond in the rough.

Seems the first or second round backs while many are great, are worrisome to sign to a second contract.

0 points
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Handsback's picture

February 07, 2023 at 02:15 pm

I fully expect to see Green Bay draft at least one RB. Robinson from Texas can do it all and should be available to the Pack. His value is just out of the top ten players, so at 15...he would be a bargain.
The next RB is a middle 3rd value guy from Pittsburg, and the third is the MN RB that has a late 5th round value. All three are complete backs that the Pack may be looking at.

3 points
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