Ranking 5 best running backs in 2023 NFL draft

3. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Ray Rice

Jahmyr Gibbs is another third-year player. After spending two seasons with Georgia Tech, he transferred to Alabama and took over their backfield after Brian Robinson was drafted. Gibbs had over 900 yards on the ground, but what was even more impressive was that he led Alabama in catches.

The receiving corps is not quite Jerry Jeudy and Jaylen Waddle but it is something when you are the top passing option at a school like Alabama.

The obvious with Gibbs is the big plays. He can go from 0 to 60 rather quickly, and once he gets a lane, he is gone. The issue is that he brings little as a pass protector, and he is still not great between the tackles.

You can run him outside on designed calls, but he is not a three-down back and is mainly going to be a pass-catching option who can rush the ball 10 to 15 times. Overall, Gibbs goes around pick 36.

If the Chicago Bears trade back, he may be in their sights because they need a pass-catching back. Beyond that, if he falls to the end of round two, he may be the best player available. Otherwise, he will probably miss out on the Bears.