Jahmyr Gibbs – Running back – 21 years old – Junior – Alabama
Height: 1m80
Weight: 91kg
2022 stats: 12 games, 151 carries, 926 yards, 7 touchdowns – 44 receptions, 444 yards, 3 touchdowns
Estimated position in the draft: End of 1st round – Start of 2nd round
NFL Comparison: Alvin Kamara
Will Jahmyr Gibbs be the next Alabama running back to be called in the first round on the evening of April 27? The former Georgia Tech star has made a successful transition to a top conference with a team full of talent on the side Crimson Tide. Presentation of a profile that intrigues as much as it questions.
Strong points
- Fluidity
- Acceleration
- Receptions
Jahmyr Gibbs is a resilient player. He is that kind of player who can give impetus while his movement is lateral. It is therefore more comfortable in horizontal races (east-west) than vertical (north-south), yet necessary to score touchdowns or to win first attempts.
All this is possible thanks to his acceleration and his good vision of the game. Able to dodge tackles, he often manages to re-situate himself in order to gain additional yards for his team.
He is also a threat as a receiver. Often used as the last reading of his quarterback as a double threat, he is then able to nibble yards after reception thanks to his acceleration. His number of balloons released remains low (2 drops), which will make him an undeniable asset when he goes to the professionals.
Weak points
Given that he is more at ease in east-west races than north-south, Gibbs’ main flaw is obvious: physicality. He struggled to stay on his feet from the defender’s first successful tackle. Despite 4 smokes only during his 3 years in college, his transition to the NFL could be brutal if he does not gain physical mass.
Gibbs is not comfortable in races where it will be necessary to “rush into the pile”. The player must have with him a good offensive line that will help him gain the necessary yards. It is therefore not surprising to note that it was in Alabama that he had his best statistical season with almost 1,000 rushing yards (926) on 151 carries.
Likewise, this is not the player you are going to ask to block to allow the quarterback to be able to throw the ball or escape from the pocket.
Possible destinations
Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams
Jahmyr Gibbs is not far from having the full package for the position of running back. He will only have to spend a lot of time in the weight room in order to gain power. Nevertheless, his athletic profile with a speed/acceleration combo already ready for the NFL should not leave recruiters indifferent.
The ideal would be to use him in a committee of runners as a running back number 2 able to operate in the slotbefore moving into potential running back number 1.
In this context, a team like the Buffalo Bills, the Dallas Cowboys or the Kansas City Chiefs would be the ideal destination for him. Even if the Buffalo franchise does not have a quality offensive line.
