2020 NFL Draft Prospect – Antonio Gibson, RB/WR Memphis

Our NFL rookie profile series continues with this analysis of 2020 NFL Draft Prospect Antonio Gibson, RB/WR from Memphis. We will continue to provide you with these in-depth rookie profiles and a ton of other fantasy football rookie analysis right up through the NFL Draft. Stay tuned, and stay ahead of your league!

It’s safe to say that Antonio Gibson is no longer a sleeper prospect us savvy dynasty owners can acquire in the middle of the third round of our rookie drafts. The former Tiger has tremendous amounts of untapped potential and the dynasty community, as well as the NFL Draft community, are all on notice. When you talk about a prospect nailing his pre-draft process, Gibson passes the test with flying colors.

The Stats

Statistics from sports-reference.com.

I cannot stop gushing over the fact he accounted for over 1,100 combined rushing and receiving yards on 71 offensive touches. One more time: 1,100 total yards on 71 offensive touches, plus 12 touchdowns! I know you can read but think about how absolutely absurd this level of efficiency and productivity is. When I first started digging into his game, I couldn’t believe this at first.

One might ask why the limited touches if he was so productive. Well allow me to let you in on a little secret: Memphis has a rising redshirt sophomore running back Kenneth Gainwell who rushed for over 1,400 yards while adding 500-plus through the air. He looks like an absolute stud and was the main weapon for the Memphis offense in 2019, and draft-eligible rusher Patrick Taylor was also involved in the offense.

Memphis has been a running back factory as of late with the three Tiger rushers mentioned above as well as last year’s third-round pick Darrell Henderson and fourth-round pick Tony Pollard.

The Film

“Explosive control” is the phrase I’d use to describe his style of play. Some players with that type of juice only know one speed and while speed is what we like to see, uncontrolled speed can be just as much of a downfall for players as not having it at all. He is very controlled and knows when to hit the gas and when to throttle it down. At times you watch him play and find yourself saying: “he doesn’t look that fast.” But make no mistake about it, Gibson can get up and go.

This was a grown man run by Antonio Gibson. #SMUvsMemphis pic.twitter.com/OYILZZyUf1

— Derek Duke (@DerekDuke25) November 3, 2019

Gibson flashed major potential at the Senior Bowl back in January, leaving scouts wondering would he be best suited as a running back or wide receiver. He impressed all week in practice, then went into the game and continued that positive momentum. He led the South in rushing in the game with 11 carries for 68 yards; showing he could play the position full-time. Gibson carried over that positive momentum into his Scouting Combine performance.

I will say it again Antonio Gibson is NFL ready… #SeniorBowl
https://t.co/b17bvsy5KL

— CJR Sports – Sports Handicapper! (@Sports_CJR) January 25, 2020

The Measurables

Gibson checked in with the wide receiver group at 6’0”, 228 pounds and put on a show. He blazed a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, and impressed with a 35” vertical jump and 16 bench press reps. He was smooth and fluid in the receiving drills and looked the part of a natural hands catcher. Once again, he showed he can be a true weapon on offense.

Take a look at some historical Combine player comparisons for Gibson, using one of the many new tools at DLF.

According to @DLFootball new historical combine data – here are the WRs and RBs over the past 10 years who were 5’10” 225 > & ran 4.4 or faster with a VJ of at least 35”

I’m all aboard the Antonio Gibson train! pic.twitter.com/vn5vhxoFgi

— Ray G (@RayGQue) March 14, 2020

Conclusion

Gibson is a player whose stock is on the rise because of the potential oozing from his prospectus. When you look at his skill set, it’s exactly what we want in fantasy; the three-down threat. He’s a player who may take a couple of years to develop into a feature role, but it’s most certainly in his range of outcomes. I’ve seen numerous comparisons made to David Johnson, and I completely agree; if we’re talking about ceiling-level comps. A more reasonable play style and production comp would be his teammate from one year ago Tony Pollard. Gibson is a bigger more explosive player than Pollard, who was able to show high upside potential in his role alongside All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliot.

If were excited about Tony Pollard’s potential you should be all over Antonio Gibson. 🔥🔥

Tony Pollard
6’0” 210lbs
40 -4.52
BP -13
VJ -35
BJ -121
Final Szn – 117 touches 1010 Yds 9TD

Antonio Gibson
6’0” 228lbs
40 -4.39
BP -16
VJ -35
BJ -118
Final Szn – 71 touches 1104 Yds 12TD pic.twitter.com/jLqwgSwNa6

— Ray G (@RayGQue) March 14, 2020

Dynasty Value

Gibson currently has an ADP of 27 overall and it’s a safe bet that if his trajectory continues to rise like this, you won’t see him making it out of round two in single-quarterback leagues. Your best bet to acquire him outside of the top 24 is in superflex leagues where he has a current ADP of 31… for now.