Jahmyr Gibbs 2023 Fantasy Draft Profile
When the Detroit Lions drafted Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs No. 12 overall, the selection questioned fans since they acquired David Montgomery and still had D’Andre Swift at the time, even though they eventually traded the latter to the Eagles mere days later.
Gibbs’s playstyle has had analysts, like Eric Moody, compared him to Chris Johnson, who had his best years with the Tennessee Titans.
The Lions added serious speed in Jahmyr Gibbs ️ @EricNMoody pic.twitter.com/oteBQ1c4qK
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) April 28, 2023
The ceiling for Gibbs is Johnson because of their similar playstyles. Both are quick, agile, elusive and great receiving backs, which are hard to find in today’s game.
No one will ever come close to Johnson’s Offensive Player of the Year season, when he had 2,006 rushing yards while earning himself the nickname CJ2K. Although Gibbs is a versatile player, let’s dive into his closest comparison both in fantasy and what fans could expect.
Best comparison to Jahmyr Gibbs?:
The closest comparison for Gibbs is Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers. Gibbs and Jones are both smaller-sized running backs with very similar traits. Both are relied upon in the backfield, whether that be running down the middle and bouncing to the outside or catching off a flat route.
Both of these backs have the ability to make juke moves that can break the defender’s ankles. They are not powerful backs, as the designed run plays are usually to the inside to avoid the opposing edge rushers.
In Gibbs’ one season at Alabama, he tallied 1,370 scrimmage yards with 10 total touchdowns compared to Jones’s best season with 1,558 scrimmage yards and 19 total touchdowns in 2019.
The only concern for these two running backs for fantasy is that they are not an every-down running back and may not score their fantasy projection. They both have backup running backs who could take their starting spot in Montgomery for Gibbs and A.J. Dillon for Jones.
A fantasy football fanatic should expect Gibbs to record 15-to-19 fantasy points if he is a Week 1 starter against an average Chiefs defense; Gibbs should be taken in the 9th to 11th round in most fantasy draft formats.
Fans should expect Gibbs to be an exciting running back to watch in an offense that was one of the NFL’s best last season with quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
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