2023 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
In what was somewhat of a reversal for Alabama Running Backs in recent years, a player entered the transfer portal not to leave Tuscaloosa but to join the Crimson Tide. Typically the Crimson Tide running back room comprises a who’s who of top-tier recruits. This leads to players like Alvin Kamara and, recently, Trey Sanders transferring to other teams. Rarely have we seen a player opt into this competitive situation after contributing to their team.
Jahmyr Gibbs’s 2022 season for the Crimson Tide was not quite the revelation that some had hoped for, but there is still plenty for fantasy fans to get excited about in their upcoming rookie drafts.
RECRUITMENT
Gibbs was rated as a four-star recruit from Dalton High School in Georgia. Coming out, he was ranked as the 44th-overall prospect and the fourth overall RB on 247 Sports. Over on ESPN, Gibbs was ranked as a four-star recruit and ranked 178th on their top 300. Gibbs won the Mr. Georgia Football award and was a Sports-Illustrated All-American.
Courtesy of 247 Sports.
Gibbs had 28 offers coming out of high school before signing with Georgia Tech. As a High School senior, he doubled his rushing yards from his junior season as he put together a 2554-yard and 40-touchdown rushing campaign on 233 carries. This spiked his recruiting interest as he exited high school.
The scouting report from High School was about his versatility and ability as a receiver. Gibbs received high marks for his ability to quickly change direction as well as his ability to accelerate and stop quickly.
COLLEGIATE CAREER
Courtesy of Sports Reference.
Gibbs never had quite the electric stats that many would have hoped for coming into college. He never went over one thousand rushing yards, but he was able to contribute in the run game as well as a pass catcher. Gibbs is a complete back with a solid build who will be enticing to NFL GMs and fantasy fans.
STRENGTHS
- Gibbs claimed to have run a 4.32 before transferring to Alabama.
- Reported having only fumbled once coming out of high school. Fumbled four times in three seasons in college. Did not fumble while at Alabama.
- An efficient runner who does not waste time or energy hitting the hole.
- Strong contact balance with the strength to run through arm tackles.
WEAKNESSES
- Small frame, did not exhibit strong traits in pass protection.
- Needs to add size to be a true bell-cow back and hold up when running between the tackles.
- Tries to do too much at times which leads to missed opportunities.
DRAFT VALUE
Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database.
Gibbs is being projected as the second running back to be selected and is currently being mocked in the first round of most drafts. The current consensus links him to the Philadelphia Eagles to take over for Miles Sanders.
DYNASTY OUTLOOK
Bijan Robinson is likely already locked in as your 1.01 pick for your rookie drafts. I could easily see something similar to rookie drafts in 2020, though. Many had Jonathan Taylor linked as the consensus 1.01 in rookie drafts until the Chiefs took Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the end of round one. When owners saw the landing spot and potential, it catapulted CEH over Taylor in many rookie drafts.
Regarding rookie drafts, Gibbs should be one of the first players selected. With the 1.01 locked in and depending on the draft type, he should be available for teams in the middle of the draft. As I discussed, the landing spot might even push him further up.
As discussed in the Jordan Addison article, more owners favor wide receivers after the success of the 2019 draft and the long playing career. Gibbs has the potential to land on a solid team and, with the added dynamic as a pass-catching back, will be a massive boost to fantasy rosters wherever he ends up.
Pete is a Western Washington University (Go Vikings! Undefeated at Football since 2009!) History grad with a doctorate in dynasty football, from a certificate he bought online. He prefers stats and analytics but realizes film grinding is an important part of the process. Dabbles in "Mild Takes" and believes in the process.
