Lions News: NFL execs, coaches think VERY highly of Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs has already gained a reputation in the league as an elite running back.

Over at ESPN, they have kicked off their annual series where they poll over 70 employees from various ranks in the NFL to determine the top-10 players at every football position. That survey is given to coaches, executives, and scouts across all 32 teams.

The series started on Monday with the top-10 NFL running backs , and Detroit Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs has already worked himself into the top-three despite not being ranked after his rookie season. Gibbs came in third overall, only behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. He finished a spot above his draftmate, Bijan Robinson.

“He’s a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little bit more power,” an anonymous AFC executive said. “Size will always be a little bit more of an issue with him, but his speed and instincts and ability to change the game are a problem and may be the best in the league.”

The article goes on to say that other NFL employees believe he’s best suited as part of a 1-2 punch, but he’s more than willing to run hard, even if his body isn’t ideally built for it.

Last year, Gibbs finished fifth in rushing yards (1,412) despite having 50 fewer carries than anyone ranked above him. His 5.6 yards per carry was third among running backs, and his 16 rushing touchdowns tied the leading mark in 2024.

Notably, David Montgomery received votes in the survey—as did former Lions running back D’Andre Swift—but neither managed to crack the top-10, nor the five “honorable mentions.”

The lists continued on Tuesday with defensive tackles , but Alim McNeill didn’t make the list. He, too, only “received votes.”

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