Saints Draft Prospect: Jahmyr Gibbs

With Alvin Kamara facing a lengthy suspension, this explosive SEC playmaker could create some of the same kind of mismatches for the New Orleans offense.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has had a dynasty-type run of success since Nick Saban took over the program in 2007, winning six national titles since 2009. Over that time, the New Orleans Saints have drafted only four players that attended Alabama. 

Just three of those: RB Mark Ingram (1st round, 2011), S Roman Harper (2nd, 2006), and S Vinnie Sunseri (5th, 2014) came directly from the Crimson Tide. Alvin Kamara started his collegiate career at Alabama in 2013, but transferred after just one season. 

Kamara will serve a six-game disciplinary suspension, at minimum, from the NFL this season. The Saints signed free-agent RB Jamaal Williams this offseason, but most expect them to add more backfield depth in the draft. Perhaps they dip into the Crimson Tide's deep pool of talent to do so.

RB - Jahmyr Gibbs

Alabama (Jr.)

5'9" 199-Lbs.

Dec 31, 2022; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) runs against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2022 Sugar Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Gibbs started his collegiate career at Georgia Tech, where he was second on the team in both rushing (460 yards) and receiving (24 catches, 303 yards) as a freshman. In 2021, his 746 rushing yards led the Yellow Jackets as he added 35 receptions for 465 yards.

A transfer to Alabama in 2022 saw Gibbs become a featured part of the Crimson Tide attack. He led the team with 926 rushing yards, scoring 7 times, and also had 444 receiving yards and another three scores on a team-high 44 receptions. His 1,370 yards from scrimmage were third in the SEC.

Gibbs, who was also an accomplished kick returner, also performed well at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 4.36 40 and 1.52 10-yard split ranked the best of all participating backs.

Gibbs may never be a featured back at the NFL level. He can be indecisive as an inside runner and doesn't possess the power for short yardage situations. His ability to read inside blocking and rushing lanes has been average at best, and he didn't often pick up many yards after contact. 

As a receiver, you'd like to see Gibbs improve his tracking skills on downfield throws. He'd bobble the ball at times on shorter passes, often looking upfield too quickly to make a play.

Nov 5, 2022; Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) runs past LSU safety Joe Foucha (13). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Gibbs is most dangerous in space, where he is arguably one of this draft's top playmakers. His speed makes him a breakaway threat on off-tackle and outside runs, but he can also cut back inside on a dime to freeze defenders. Once in the open field, he has an underrated stiff arm to power through one-on-one tackles and instant acceleration to pull away.

A smart player, Gibbs can create his own lanes by setting up defenses with fakes then explode by them. He also brings the added bonus as a kick returner. His main value to an offense lies with his versatility. 

Several scouts have compared Gibbs to Alvin Kamara because of his receiving skills. His open field explosiveness make him a lethal weapon on screens and swing passes, where he's a legitimate home run threat on every play.

Gibbs is more than just a receiving threat out of the backfield. His ability to run a variation of routes allow coaches to also split him outside or in the slot. He has excellent hands, while his route running and focus make him nearly impossible for linebackers and traditional safeties to cover.

Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to be drafted in the second round or no later than early in the third. His game-breaking ability could even make him the second back selected and sneak him into the late first round. 

Oct 1, 2022; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) breaks away for a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Like Kamara, Gibbs will be a matchup weapon that could give NFL defenses nightmares. Kamara has also proven to be an effective inside runner, an area Gibbs needs vast improvements. His receiving skills and open field ability will still make him an instant contributor for NFL offenses.

Jamaal Williams is a productive inside-outside runner coming off a 1,000-yard season. He's shown capable of handling the workload while Kamara is suspended, but Gibbs could add the same versatility Kamara adds to an offense. If drafted, both players together could send defenses scrambling when on the field together.