2023 NFL Draft Scouting Notes: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Jahmyr Gibbs is an explosive, young, exciting running back who transferred in from Georgia Tech. Silky smooth runner who was used effectively on kick returns as well. His statistics at Georgia Tech were mostly underwhelming. Still, that was due to the rotational backfield that Gibbs played in and the quarterback he played with, who was much like a young Robert Griffin III. At Alabama, Gibbs exploded onto the scene as a top running back, drawing comparisons to New Orleans Saints runner Alvin Kamara.

Jahmyr Gibbs

RB – Alabama Crimson Tide

HT: 5095
WT: 200
Year: Super Sophomore
High School: Dalton (Dalton, GA)
Rating: 4-star (0.9652)

Projected Draft Grade: Immediate Starter

Projection: 1st/2nd Round

Jahmyr Gibbs is going to be such an exciting NFL weapon.

The suddenness in his feet and instinctive vision make him a nightmare for defenses. Elite pass-catching back as well. 1st round player. pic.twitter.com/TXnbIAcg4C
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 2, 2023

Jahmyr Gibbs scouting notes

Pros:

Excellent speed. Very quick and fast. Has the speed to turn the corner. I would estimate his forty time is around 4.35.
Very sudden runner. Very shifty and does an excellent job with his cuts and exploding off the change.
Accelerates seamlessly. Incredibly explosive runner.
Reads defenders very well and knows how to make them miss in a variety of ways.
Very strong contact balance. Shreds tacklers and stays upright very well. Won’t be brought down by an arm tackle.
Good receiver out of the backfield. Made some ridiculous circus catches at Georgia Tech. Very strong hands.
Can be a very effective chip blocker.

Cons:

Flashes the ability to work the sideline extremely well. I think that he needs to be more consistent in knowing where he is on the field.
I don’t see a lot of run power from Gibbs, as he can get some momentum moving to fall forward.
Doesn’t have a lot of strength.
Struggles to read his blocks effectively. Oftentimes tried to do too much on his own and relied on his athletic ability. When being patient in the hole between the tackles, Gibbs is most easily contained.
Not a great, consistent route-runner. Can be difficult for a quarterback to read when working downhill.
Doesn’t have a lot of power in pass protection, mostly due to his size. Really struggles to do much good in 1v1 situations. Technique isn’t good and Gibbs lacks the confidence to take people on.