Is Jahmyr Gibbs a Running back or a Multi-Back?

First Round Mock NFL Draft Analyst Ken Becks introduces us to a new terminology on offense and drops Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs out of the first-round in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

#1 Jahmyr Gibbs

POSITION: Multi-Back (MB)
SCHOOL: Alabama
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 200

Evaluated Games (click to view games watched to form this evaluation):

Texas ’22

Arkansas ’22

Tennessee ’22

LSU ’22

Auburn ’22

Strengths

After evaluating Gibbs on tape, it became very apparent that a position change to MB was needed for his best long-term success at the NFL-level.

Definition of a multi-back (MB) = Slotted for a prospect who doesn’t fit the traditional role of running back and is better utilized in multiple positions to create mismatch situations versus defenders.

In Gibbs’ case, he lacks the overall skill sets to be considered elite at RB, but he can be utilized at multiple positions throughout games to gain mismatches against defenses. Perhaps, a combination of snaps at RB, and in the slot at wide receiver (WR) where he can get in on screen plays, special teams, etc. best suits his skill set. His talent does warrant multiple touches throughout games, but just not at any one position.

Let’s examine what Gibbs is best at when it comes to each area:

RB:

Despite lacking ideal size at RB, Gibbs displays decent (not great) vision, efficiency running between the tackles, and contact balance versus defenders (2022: 151 carries, 926 yards, 6.1 avg., 7 TD, long-76 yards).

Pass Catching:

Coming out of the backfield, he exhibits the skill to be an effective outlet, catching passes fluidly and consistently gaining yardage afterwards (2022: 44 receptions, 444 yards, 10.1 avg., 3 TD, long-60 yards).

A MAJOR reason for me feeling Gibbs could successfully convert to MB is the versatility he shows splitting out as a slot WR. He runs good short to intermediate routes, and he routinely brings in passes as a hands catcher, catching the ball away from his body.

Using Gibbs in the slot provides instant mismatches versus most defenders he will face.

What does he look like after the catch?

Gibbs displays a quick transition upfield, which automatically provides him the opportunity to maximize yardage after the catch.

Special Teams Returner:

He did perform as Alabama’s primary kick returner (2022: 13 returns, 19.8 avg., long-57 yards). Though he was not dynamic in returning kicks, he was effective and efficient, which only adds to his draft value.

Weaknesses

As stated, Gibbs lacks the ideal size for the RB position. In particular, his lower body leg area could use additional bulk and strength.

His overall game in the areas of speed, athleticism, burst, explosion, and natural running instincts just don’t measure up when projecting him anywhere near elite at RB for the next level.

Gibbs vision as a runner is a question mark.

Too often, he subconsciously uses far too many false steps during runs. He also lacks the innate ability to find the hidden yardage, which cuts down on his overall effectiveness.

A lack of fluid hips contributes to Gibbs emphasizing his cuts when making moves on defenders. This delays his redirection cuts, and attributes to his difficulty in quickly redirecting his change of direction to avoid defenders. As a result, this limits his potential for additional yardage.

His inability to avoid unnecessary oncoming contact from defenders makes him a durability concern, again circling back to the fact he’s undersized at RB.

The lack of physicality in Gibbs’ running style does not project well in his favor either. Too often, after first contact with defenders, his legs go dead.

This limits his yards after contact. His lack of physicality additionally shows up in his inability to consistently push the pile after contact.

His effectiveness drops considerably the further he looks to hit the corners of defenses. He lacks the pure football speed to turn the far corners.

Gibbs’ lack of overall athleticism will cut down his potential for 20+ yard explosion plays at the next level. Once again, this drastically diminishes his draft value.

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Value

Third-Round (Top 110)

Scouting Report Summary

Gibbs has a place as a productive player in the NFL. It just will not be lining up only in the traditional RB spot like most project him. As previously mentioned, he lacks the necessary skill set to do that.

If there is a team out there that has the vision to utilize Gibbs as a MB, he could become a major contributor to that team’s success on game day.

Ken Becks [TheScout] has been covering & scouting NFL prospects for over 30 years! Ken has worked with the Indoor Football Scouting Bureau and he’s been mentioned in publications such as Scout.com, ABCNews.com, and TheNewsStar.com. He covers the NFL Draft for FirstRoundMock.com and he is the founder and Director of 1stDownScouting.com. Follow him @1stdown_scout on Twitter.