Jahmyr Gibbs Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Butch Dill/AP Photo)

School: Alabama (Junior)

Position: RB

HT: 5’11

WT: 200 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #14

Jahmyr Gibbs spent his first 2 years of college football at Georgia Tech, where he was quietly one of the most dynamic and productive runners in the country. This past season spent at Alabama, he burst onto the scene, as most expected. Playing in the SEC put a magnifying glass on Gibbs and he accepted the challenge head on. Gibbs has great contact balance and is extremely hard to bring down in the open field. A shifty running back and an explosive, pure runner, he is scheme versatile and will succeed in most, if not all, pro-style offenses. Jahmyr Gibbs was also used as a pass catcher, whether that be out of the backfield, in the slot, or even on the boundary. He is an elite route runner and receiver for his position and it adds a layer to whatever offense he is in that most others do not have. Gibbs bursting onto the scene wasn’t due to an amazing supporting cast either. If anything, he produced despite his supporting cast. Gibbs has been a dynamic weapon in a fairly one dimensional offense that has failed to use him to his full potential. The Texas A&M game is the perfect example of this. His Offensive Line was struggling all season, allowing constant pressure, and his offense got predictable. Oftentimes, rushers are in the backfield by the time the ball first gets to his hands. While in the passing game, he was receiving the ball 4 or 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage and asked to create something out of nothing.

Gibbs doesn’t have too many weaknesses, as I’m sure you can tell, I’m fairly high on him. In most other classes, he would be the clear RB1, but a generational prospect in Bijan Robinson holds that title this year. In order to provide one area of improvement for the sake of argument, Gibbs could improve at pass blocking when needed. Although, on passing downs he is usually used as a weapon, rather than a blocker.

Jahmyr Gibbs has an intriguing skillset that is rare to see. His ability to find gaps and get into open space where he can use his legs to simply outrun defenders is unlike any others in this draft class. He is an amazing receiving threat to have in the backfield with consistent hands and great vision. The question is how effective will his running style be at the next level. If he is only going to be a threat on passing downs, he will not be a three down back.

Scheme Fit: Zone Running Offense

Ideal Role: Primary RB1

Best Team Fits: TB, MIA, DET

Player Comparison: Alvin Kamara

Player Grade: 87.9