Dynasty Rookie Report Card: Jahmyr Gibbs and Zach Charbonnet
Each week throughout the 2023 NFL season, I’ll cover two rookies in the Rookie Report Card and will generally write about the most prominent performers from that particular week. I’ll discuss how well he’s lived up to expectations at the NFL level and then grade the player in three categories: performance to date, rookie season potential, and long-term upside. Before we start, I just wanted to give a huge shoutout to Brandon Haye for picking up this article series the last two weeks while I was dealing with some things in my personal life. He did an incredible job, so I hope you’ll give him a follow and check out his other work.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB DET
Week 11 stats: Eight carries for 36 yards and a touchdown, six receptions on six targets for 59 yards; PPR points, 21.5 PPR points, RB3 on the week.
Featuring Gibbs in this series is long overdue. All he has done is finish as a top-three fantasy running back in three consecutive games. He’s also scored a touchdown in four straight. The last two performances came with David Montgomery also having excellent games. In week 11, Gibbs finished as the RB3 overall with only eight rushing attempts, once again proving he doesn’t need to be a bell cow to be an elite fantasy option. Let’s get to know him as a prospect.
Gibbs began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech in 2020, where he made an immediate impact despite being limited to just seven games due to injury. He was named a second-team freshman All-American and earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a return specialist. He led the Yellow Jackets in all-purpose yards (968) and scoring (seven touchdowns) and ranked second on the team in rushing yards (460), rushing touchdowns (four), receptions (24), receiving yards (303), and touchdown receptions (three). In 2021, Gibbs played an entire season for Georgia Tech and continued to build an impressive resume. He led the Yellow Jackets in rushing yards (1,212) and rushing touchdowns (10), and he also ranked second on the team in receptions (46) and receiving yards (475). He was named to the All-ACC second team and was a finalist for the ACC Player of the Year award.
After two successful seasons at Georgia Tech, Gibbs transferred to the University of Alabama for the 2022 season to gain more national attention and have a shot at a National Championship. He quickly became a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense. He led Alabama in rushing yards (926) and rushing touchdowns (seven), and he also led the team in receptions (44) and was third in receiving yards (444), adding three receiving touchdowns through the air. Gibbs was named to the SEC first team and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. The transfer paid off in spades as he was selected 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, much higher than expected.
We haven’t even discussed Gibbs’ considerable athletic profile yet. He is undersized by many metrics, but that clearly hasn’t been a hindrance in the NFL so far. His combination of top speed (4.36 40) and acceleration (1.52 10-yard split) is lethal. Those numbers are in the 97th percentile and 83rd percentile, respectively.
On film, it’s clear he is an elite pass catcher – perhaps the best prospect in that regard since Christian McCaffrey. He runs legit wide receiver routes and exhibits incredible body control adjustment on poorly thrown passes. The suddenness with which he transitions from catching to running is both fluid and explosive. He shows Instant acceleration out of breaks and lightning-quick lateral cuts that break ankles with top speed to beat defenders to the edge consistently. Gibbs is a true playmaker who can score every time he touches the football.
His ADP value spiked after being drafted so highly by a team desperate for playmakers. Since May, he has maintained his status as a top-20 overall player and currently sits as the RB5 and the 13th player off the board in November mock drafts. I’d imagine he gets into the first round next month. In my personal rankings, I have Gibbs as the RB2 in dynasty behind only Bijan Robinson, and that gap is closing fast.
Performance to Date: A+
Gibbs has consistently ranked among the top fantasy running backs in recent weeks. His ability to score high in fantasy points with limited carries demonstrates exceptional efficiency and impact on the field.
Rookie Season Potential: A
His early success indicates a high ceiling for the remainder of his rookie season. His dynamic playmaking ability, especially as a pass catcher, sets him up for continued success, especially in PPR formats. David Montgomery could limit his touchdown upside, but that has yet to happen since his return.
Long-Term Upside: A+
Gibbs represents the evolution of the running back position. His speed and pass-catching ability positions him well for a significant role in the NFL. His performance thus far suggests he could be a top-tier running back in the league for years to come, especially if he continues to develop and stays healthy.
Zach Charbonnet, RB SEA
Week 11 stats: 15 carries for 47 yards, six receptions on six targets for 22 yards; 12.9 PPR points, RB17 on the week
Charbonnet didn’t have an incredible week 11, but he has had consistent usage throughout the season. More importantly, Kenneth Walker missed week 12 and maybe more with a “legit” oblique injury. In each of the last four weeks, Charbonnet has out-snapped Walker, culminating with an 85% snap share in week 11 to go with a 17% target share. The sky is the limit for Charbonnet, with Walker out for the foreseeable future. Let’s get to know him as a prospect.
Charbonnet’s collegiate journey began at Michigan in 2019, where he made a splash as a true freshman. He earned All-Big Ten honors and set a Michigan freshman record with 11 rushing touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing yards (726). In 2020, he faced injury issues, limiting him to six games. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to UCLA in 2021. This move proved pivotal to his future success. In his first season with the Bruins, he emerged as a dominant force, amassing 1,177 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games. Perhaps more importantly, he was used as a passing game weapon for the first time in his career, with 24 receptions for 197 yards. His impressive performances earned him Pac-12 First-Team honors.
The 2022 season marked Charbonnet’s ascension to one of college football’s premier running backs. He led the nation with 1,917 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, shattering UCLA single-season records. His efforts culminated in several accolades, including Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-American honors, and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back.
He shows solid vision on film – following blocks well and quickly identifying cutback lanes, exploding up the field off his plant foot. He routinely shows strength and power to go along with his six-foot 214-pound size. For someone that big, he can make subtle cuts and stutter steps that make defenders miss in the second level. While he lacks elite speed, if he makes it to the third level of the defense, he shows the aggressiveness and power to run through defensive backs when necessary.
Charbonnet’s ADP value fell dramatically after the NFL draft as dynasty managers overreacted to his landing spot behind Kenneth Walker. The community hoped he would land in an ideal situation with a workhorse role from the jump, and when that didn’t happen, they panicked. Once the season began, we saw that Charbonnet would be involved in the offense, especially on passing downs. This gave the community renewed hope, reflected in his rise to RB18 and the 69th player off the board in November. With the role in front of him, I’d expect him to rise again in December. In my personal rankings, I’ve moved him up to RB14, just behind Javonte WIlliams.
Performance to Date: B-
Charbonnet’s performance has been solid, if not spectacular. His consistent usage and ability to contribute in both phases of the offense are commendable, but he has yet to have breakout performances like other top rookie performers.
Rookie Season Potential: B+
With the potential for an increased role due to Walker’s injury, Charbonnet’s prospects for the remainder of the rookie season look promising. His increased snap share and target share indicate that he could have significant opportunities to make a substantial impact.
Long-Term Upside: B+
Charbonnet’s skill set, including his vision, strength, and size, suggests he could be a reliable and productive back in the NFL. However, his lack of elite speed and the current situation in a shared backfield may limit his ceiling compared to the very top running backs in the league. His long-term success largely depends on how his role evolves in the Seahawks’ offense and his ability to capitalize on future opportunities.
Creator and Co-host of Dynasty Game night, the fantasy football game show.
Creator and host of the Zookeeper Stories podcast.
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