Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the NFL’s most electric young stars.
In ESPN’s annual survey of NFL executives, coaches and scouts, Gibbs’ star power and big-play ability was almost universally recognized. The Detroit Lions’ superstar ranked as the No. 2 running back in the NFL per league executives, coaches and scouts.
Only Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ranked above Gibbs.
Gibbs climbed one spot from his No. 3 ranking at this time a year ago. Here’s what ESPN wrote about Gibbs:
Many who voted Gibbs as the top back were emphatic that he’s the best.
“Your eyes tell you there’s no one like him with the ball in his hands,” an NFL coordinator said. “He plays with better pace because of his vision, and then the gear is different. You see him blow by guys with angles. And he’s elite in the passing game.”
Gibbs’ 18 touchdowns in 2025 are the second most in a season in Lions history, trailing only Gibbs himself in 2024 (20).
“He’s got 39 [rushing] touchdowns in three years while splitting time,” an NFC exec said. “It’s crazy.”
While some voters see Robinson as the better inside runner, Gibbs has proved durable despite running inside and outside the box. With David Montgomery traded to Houston, Gibbs could log his first 300-carry season in 2026. He has averaged 225 carries per year since 2023. – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
In his three-year NFL career thus far, Gibbs has racked up 3,580 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound back out of Alabama also has 1,449 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches, including nine touchdowns through the air in the past two seasons.
Gibbs’ 49 touchdowns are the most a player has ever logged through their first three seasons in NFL history and the the most touchdowns a player has had before turning 24 years old.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said this spring at annual league meetings that Gibbs is still just scratching the surface.
“We’re not even there yet,” Campbell said of Gibbs. “We feel like this guy can play some receiver. We tried to tinker with some stuff last year. He really grew but I think we’re just scratching the surface of some of that…
“He’s a mismatch piece, man. He’s dynamic and he’s a difference maker. They don’t come around often.”
Detroit inked Isiah Pacheco in free agency to help split some of the carries and lessen the load on Gibbs. But, with David Montgomery dealt to the Houston Texans, it could mean that the most explosive season of Gibbs career is on tap in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs just misses top RB ranking in ESPN survey
Reporting by Josh Helmer, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Josh Helmer, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
