Rookie Spotlight: Jahmyr Gibbs
By Kyle Highfill
Jahmyr Gibbs
RB, Alabama, 5'11 200lbs
Jahmyr Gibbs is an athletic, versatile RB that could take the league by storm. Gibbs had 2 successful seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to Alabama last year. His freshman year he had 89 carries for 460 yards and 4 touchdowns, adding 24 receptions for 303 yards and three receiving touchdowns. His sophomore year, he had 143 carries for 746 yards and 4 touchdowns, adding 36 receptions for 470 yards and 2 touchdowns. In his lone season at Alabama, he had 151 carries for 926 yards, adding 44 receptions for 444 yards and 3 touchdowns. He crushed a normal average, averaging over 5 yards a carry and over 12 yards a reception for his entire collegiate career.
At 5’11, 200 pounds, Gibbs doesn’t possess the ground and pound ability that Bijan Robinson might bring to the table, but I think might be able to supply stability in fantasy from his catching ability. A type of player that could peak at levels of comparison to Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Charles. Some could even compare him to the skill level of Deebo Samuel. Gibbs’ short-area athleticism, vision, and creative-making skills are rare to find. During a 70-yard touchdown this season, Gibbs was clocked at 22.32 MPH. These traits are why he should go at minimum in the 2nd round of the NFL draft. I expect him to go in the top 4 of all non-superflex rookie drafts.
The Eagles, Cowboys, and Raiders all have RBs that are free agents. If they do not sign them before the draft, it could be a big possibility they will go after Gibbs. DEN is in a predicament as Javonte Williams probably won’t be back til mid-season and won’t be fully healthy. They are in win-now mode with Russ so don’t be shocked if they snag him. James Conner has been good for fantasy purposes but is getting old. He has two years left on his contract, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a new coach wanted more youth to build around Kyler. JK Dobbins will hopefully be fully healthy next year, but if there’s any sign of concern this offseason, they will need someone to attack that rushing offense for them next year.
My prediction is that he will be selected at pick 61 to Carolina or at pick 64 to the Eagles. No matter where he ends up though, he is a MUST draft in fantasy, especially PPR.
