2023 NFL Draft Profile: RB Jahmyr Gibbs

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2023 NFL Draft Profile: RB Jahmyr Gibbs features one of the most talked about running backs in this class.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs is entering the NFL Draft after three seasons in the NCAA. While he began with Georgia Tech, Gibbs finished his collegiate career with Alabama. Gibbs managed to produce 1,000+ scrimmage yards seasons with both teams. But let’s take a look at his traits on the tape.

My running back film evaluation is broken down into 4 main categories. Below, I will explain how well Gibbs performed in those categories, as well as how high he ranks among his peers in the 2023 rookie RB class.

Footwork

Film Score: 79

Class Rank: 20th

The biggest concern about Gibbs’ game is his footwork. Often in the backfield, he takes several extra steps before starting his north-south movements. At times, that patience can be as useful tool, as some blocks take time to develop and cut-back lanes can become available later in the play.

However, the risk with Gibb’s technique is that the extra steps he takes in the backfield can delay his timing with hitting the hole. Any wasted movement is an extra step that oncoming defenders can take to get closer. While Gibbs only has his footwork as a negative to his profile, it also may be the most important technical aspect of running since we are taking about literally the first few steps to begin every play.

Fluidity

Film Score: 70

Class Rank: 5th

Now to a film category in which Gibbs demonstrates excellence. One of the reasons he has been able to get away with questionable footwork, while still being productive, is his fluidity. Gibbs has the ability to contort his body in order to avoid contact. So when I referenced the extra steps taken in the backfield, Gibbs utilized them mostly to make players miss. He appears to be running one away, but then those extra steps help him set up cut-back lanes.

Another reason for the top 5 fluidity ranking is Gibbs’ low pad level. When approaching contact, he often lowers his shoulder pads to be in a better leverage position. His overall body fluidity helps Gibbs is so many aspects of running the football.

Balance

Film Score: 53

Class Rank: 9th

For backs coming into the NFL, the 200 pound mark is right around what is considered to be a smaller runner. However, for his size, Gibbs has a rather impressive balance score. Part of that is something I mentioned in the fluidity section. Gibbs does an excellent job of placing his shoulder pad level lower than his opponents. Being the low man can often lead to extra yards for running backs. At the very least, it allows them to fall forward and not get pushed backwards on first contact.

A lower center of gravity can help lead to excellent contact balance. Gibbs scores a top 10 balance ranking for this draft, as a result. Arm tackles are no good against him. Gibbs makes sure to fight for any extra yards as hard as he can.

Burst

Film Score: 38

Class Rank: 13th

His elusiveness is not the only reason Gibbs can evade on coming tacklers. He is a fairly decent athlete with an above average burst score for the class. Returning again to footwork, Gibbs’ burst is important because of how long it can take him to go north-south. He needs to be able to move in short areas rather quickly in order to maintain production.

Overview

All-in-all, Jahmyr Gibbs has only one wart on his profile: his footwork. But that is a technical aspect that can be worked on at the next level. Entering the 2023 NFL Draft, Gibbs appears to be getting a lot of talk to be the 2nd RB selected. His final season was at the powerhouse Alabama, but he was also able to average over 1,000 scrimmage yards per season in college. Gibbs has a 3-down skill set which is so important for 21st century football. I may not view him as the RB#2 in the class, but I can understand why the NFL will select him that highly.

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