Early 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings: Familiar Face At 1

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Robinson is in a tier by himself, in my opinion, and Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs is the first player in the second tier of running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Gibbs likely thought that transferring to Alabama would give him a better chance at getting drafted highly in the NFL. It’s easy to see why. There have been ten Alabama running backs selected in the last ten drafts. It also helps that Alabama usually has future pros at offensive line, quarterback, and wide receiver as well.

But Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t your typical Alabama running back He’s a dynamic playmaker that has a versatile skill set. He’s 5’11” 200 pounds, and he’s averaged 5.2 yards per carry over 19 games in his career. Gibbs has really shined in the receiving and return game. Last season Gibbs caught 35 passes for 465 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged 25.6 yards per kickoff return last year, even running one back for a touchdown.

The word I’d use to describe Jahmyr Gibbs is “sudden.” He’s very decisive with his cuts and he can change direction very quickly, often leaving defenders grasping at nothing but air. He’s not a one-trick pony either. Gibbs runs hard and frequently gains yards after first contact. More than once I saw Gibbs use a tackler’s momentum against him.

Gibbs would stop, wait for the tackler to slide off of him, and cut back across the field to pick up more yardage. Gibbs is a lively back that if given a full workload should easily surpass his rushing total of last year (746 yards). If he can do that and continues to showcase his receiving and kick return ability, Jahmyr Gibbs could be an early day two selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.