The One Thing Jahmyr Gibbs Doesn’t Have

There’s a lot to like about Alabama’s running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

He’s tough as nails and he’s as selfless as they come. Gibbs demonstrates that when he stays in on blitz pickup and as a pass catcher.

One of the things I like most about him is how noticeable he makes himself to his quarterback in the short route level. He makes sure he sees him.

I am not here to rip down Gibbs – – he is a heck of a football player in his own right.

What does he look like as a runner?

Gibbs has excellent vision and he has the patience of Job. Once there’s a crease, he has quick feet and a bounce in his step that carries him through.

He’s a determined runner with good balance and he is tough to bring down initially.

Gibbs does run too high, but he will keep slamming into the wall while looking for that crease when he can plant and go.

Dual-threat

He catches about everything thrown in his direction.

Gibbs shows he’s a legit threat in the short to intermediate route levels.

Having Gibbs out there gives opposing defensive coordinators one more thing to think about.

I give up, what’s he missing?

Gibbs doesn’t have enough ability to create

Gibbs is neither elusive enough nor does he have pure home run-hitting playing speed.

We’re not talking about Barry Sanders 2.0.

His speed is built on momentum and he needs green grass in front of him as a runway in order to take off like he did twice on two long touchdown runs against the Razorbacks

I almost – – I mean almost moved him up on the board based on that Arkansas game until I saw him against Tennessee and Mississippi State.

It was then I was reminded of my October article based on 2021 game film study, “Jahmyr Gibbs Looks Like An Ideal No. 2 Back in the NFL.”

While he does have good building acceleration, he simply did not show the kind of juice it takes to win the edge (even at the college level).

If you don’t believe me, turn on the Tennessee and Mississippi State games this past season.

They. Bottled. Him. Up. On. The. Edges.

Where does that leave Gibbs?

He has not shown more than Breece Hall (NYJ No. 36) and Kenneth Walker III (SEA No. 42) last season heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, and they both went second-round.

Gibbs makes a solid starting running back in the NFL who will give you everything he has to give, but he is not an elite franchise prospect

He makes an ideal No. 2 back as previously stated behind an established superstar (an a good offensive line who can make the holes for him).

When there’s nothing but daylight in front of him – – that’s when he shines brightest.

This Alabama back would be the ideal pick by the Cowboys (back-up Tony Pollard Free Agent) if they could somehow land him.

#1 Jahmyr Gibbs 5-foot-11, 200 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Second-Round (I would select him)

First Round Mock Big Board: TBD

Bust Probability: Low

Projected by 42.1% (up from 35.4% on October 24) to be a first-round pick as of January 4, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2022 game film reviewed: Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi State (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Level of competition: High

2021 rushing stats: 143 carries for 746 yards (5.2 avg.), 4 TD, 71 long

2021 receiving stats: 36 receptions (47 targets and a 77% catch rate) 470 yards (13.1 avg.), 2 TD, 77 long

2022 rushing stats: 151 carries for 926 yards (6.1 avg.), 7 TD, 76 long

2022 receiving stats: 44 receptions (56 targets and a 79% catch rate) 444 yards (10.1 avg.), 3 TD, 60 long

2023 NFL Scouting Report

Classic selfless one-cut between the tackles runner with good patience, vision, and balance with smooth building speed. Reliant on blocks to clear the way. Has a keen feel for holes and the ability to exploit them. Can dart through for a few yards here and there. Hits more singles and doubles than home runs. Had difficulty clearing the first and second levels too often. Runs somewhat upright. Not elusive, but can beat the first man based on sheer toughness and determination. Showed dependable hands out of the backfield. A team can win with him.

Final words

He makes plays, but he’s not a playmaker.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.