Jahmyr Gibbs Has Top-5 Potential

Photo: Butch Dill, USA Today Sports

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The Detroit Lions made a surprising move when they picked Jahmyr Gibbs as the #12 pick in the NFL Draft. Gibbs was on the radar for a late Round 1 pick, but no one thought he would go so high. The team later traded D’Andre Swift, which increased the excitement around the rookie. So, what can we expect from him in Year One? Currently, he's being drafted in the 4th round as RB14, which is a great deal for a back with the potential to be a league-winner in PPR leagues. It's not unheard of for rookie running backs to have top-10 fantasy seasons. Usually, a star fantasy running back catches a lot of passes, has elite talent, or a combination of the two.

Here are the rookie backs who have made it into the Top 10 since 2017:

• 2017 - Alvin Kamara RB3 - 19.2 FPTS/G (289.60)
• 2017 - Kareem Hunt RB4 - 19.0 FPTS/G (285.7)
• 2017 - Christian McCaffrey RB8 - 14.5 FPTS/G (218.20)
• 2017 - Leonard Fournette RB9 - 17.7 FPTS/g (212.60)
• 2018 - Saquon Barkley RB3 - 24.1 FPTS/G (361.60)
• 2019 - none
• 2020 - Jonathan Taylor RB7 - 15.3 FPTS/G (214.40)
• 2021 - Najee Harris RB3 - 18.2 FPTS/G (291.20)
• 2022 - none

The 2023 season presents an intriguing opportunity for both Bijan Robinson and Gibbs to finish in the top 10 among running backs because of their talent. While Bijan Robinson is already being valued at his peak potential, Gibbs represents a more enticing value proposition. In current redraft leagues, targeting Gibbs as your RB2 or even as an RB1 in conjunction with a wide receiver-focused strategy can pay dividends.

Gibbs possesses elite talent and stands out, particularly for his pass-catching ability, which adds an extra dimension to his fantasy value. With his dynamic skill set, there is a strong possibility that Gibbs could finish the 2023 season as a top-5 running back. This production level would greatly exceed his current draft position and give fantasy managers a significant advantage.

With his combination of talent, versatility, and the opportunity for a high volume of touches in the Lions offense, he has the potential to be a game-changer and a valuable asset for your fantasy team. Let's talk about why he is currently one of the best values at the running back position.

Scouting Report

Gibbs's versatility extends beyond his exceptional pass-catching abilities. During his time at Georgia Tech, he showcased his adaptability in various rushing schemes and formations. In the Yellow Jackets' offense, Gibbs saw action out of both shotgun and pistol formations, allowing him to thrive in different offensive strategies. The Georgia Tech offensive system incorporated both zone and gap schemes in its rushing attack, providing Gibbs with valuable experience in different running styles. Whether it was running in a zone-blocking scheme that emphasizes reading and reacting to the defense or executing gap schemes that involve pulling blockers and hitting predetermined holes, Gibbs demonstrated his versatility and adaptability as a runner. Additionally, Gibbs's role as a pass catcher was not limited to simple check-downs or swing passes. He was involved in more complex passing concepts, including go routes, angle routes, and swing passes out of the shotgun formation. This versatility as a receiver allowed him to contribute in various ways and created mismatches for the defense. Here is an example of how he was utilized in the Georgia Tech offense:

Georgia Tech RB Jahmyr Gibbs hurdles into the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown. pic.twitter.com/xE0Eaycu2c

— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 10, 2020

Gibbs's skill set makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, particularly when deployed in open space. His exceptional speed allows him to outmatch linebackers in terms of quickness, and his elusiveness makes it extremely difficult for defenders to bring him down in one-on-one situations. Coaches recognize his potential as a game-changing weapon, as demonstrated by Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who made a concerted effort to involve Gibbs in the passing game and utilize his explosiveness. Here’s an example of the type of explosiveness from his 2022 season with Alabama that we could expect from him on the Lions and in this passing attack:

👀👀👀 @Jahmyr_Gibbs1

📺 @SECNetwork
📱https://t.co/a1346IORpt pic.twitter.com/xRMZmjNikq

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 17, 2022

With the Detroit Lions and their passing attack, Gibbs has the potential to be utilized similarly and create explosive plays on a regular basis. Whether he's catching passes out of the backfield, lining up as a slot receiver, or taking handoffs on designed runs, Gibbs's explosiveness and agility make him a dynamic threat who can break games wide-open.

Gibbs's exceptional lateral agility set him apart in college football, showcasing his quick footwork and elusiveness, making him a difficult target to tackle. His ability to change directions with ease and maintain his slipperiness adds another layer of complexity for defenders trying to track him down. However, Gibbs's success as a runner goes beyond his physical attributes. His patience and vision are crucial components of his running style. He demonstrates a keen understanding of how to wait for blocks to develop, allowing his offensive linemen to create openings for him. By reading the field and setting up would-be tacklers, Gibbs maximizes his potential to make defenders miss and bursts through the holes that his blockers have created.

This combination of lateral agility, quick feet, patience, and vision makes Gibbs a highly intelligent runner who consistently finds ways to evade defenders and exploit gaps in the defense. These qualities contribute to his ability to generate positive yardage and break off big runs.

Throughout his college career, Gibbs proved to be a versatile offensive weapon both as a runner and a receiver. He accumulated 2,132 rushing yards on 383 carries, showcasing his ability to find running lanes and gain positive yardage on the ground. Additionally, Gibbs excelled in the passing game, recording 1,212 receiving yards on 103 receptions. These impressive numbers demonstrate Gibbs' productivity and effectiveness as an all-around offensive threat. As he transitions to the NFL with the Detroit Lions, there is optimism that Gibbs will continue to showcase his versatility and contribute to the game's rushing and passing aspects.