Rookie Spotlight: Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 199 lbs
Hands: 9 1/4″
Arm: 30 1/2″
40 yard dash: 4.36
2023 Age: 21
NFL Comparison: Austin Ekeler, James Cook, CJ Spiller

Offensive Market Share Metrics

Carries: 34%
Receptions: 16%
Scrimmage Yards: 22%
Scrimmage TDs: 16%
Total Production Percentage: 22%

As a high school prospect: Class of 2020; 4-star

Pros
– Elite contact balance
– Gets to top speed quickly
– Explosive and sudden in and out of cuts
– Top-tier pass-catcher with comprehensive route tree
– Acute open-field vision
– Hits holes with decisiveness
– Asset in the return game

Cons
– Middling in pass protection
– Lacks desired build for a 3-down back
– College committee back, projects the same way in the NFL

Scouting Notes:
Gibbs is as versatile a back as you’ll find in this year’s draft class. Explosive between the tackles and sure handed as a pass-catcher, he’s always just a breakout play away from paydirt. Undersized for a lead back, Gibbs is sturdily built all the same and runs with vigor. The bulk of his weight is distributed in his trunk, and he displays uncanny contact balance for a slighter player. It really is the best of both worlds because his lighter frame allows him to get in and out of his cuts with suddenness, then exploding up the field – Gibbs is 4.3 fast, and he gets up to top speed quickly so that swiftness can be utilized. A decisive runner with excellent open field vision, Gibbs attacks his holes with aplomb and navigates the field like the talented kick returner he is. His special team utility is an added bonus, but what really sets Gibbs apart is his prowess in the passing game. He led the Crimson Tide in receptions (44) in 2022 at 10.1 YPR, 3 of which were for TDs. What he brings to the game with his sure handedness though is somewhat marred by his lack of effectiveness in pass protection. He’ll have to improve that aspect of his game.

Fantasy Outlook:
Perhaps the biggest dual threat RB in the draft, Gibbs is likely to be among the first few backs taken. In today’s NFL, pass catching backs who can also run between the tackles with some degree of effectiveness are the gold standard, and Gibbs may be in a league of his own when it comes to this factor. The million dollar question will be if he can man a backfield as the primary ball carrier. His size isn’t encouraging, as a sub 200 lb bellcow is almost unheard of, but Gibbs can add muscle. This is one of the few departments that can be easily addressed through diet and training. In any case, Gibbs is a PPR fantasy dynamo waiting to happen, and he is an easy 2nd RB to take behind Bijan Robinson in dynasty rookie drafts, assuming a relatively favorable NFL landing spot in the draft.