Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs earned praise from NFL executives, coaches and scouts for his speed and instincts.
In ESPN's annual rankings, the former first-round draft pick was ranked as the third-best running back in the league.
"He's a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little bit more power," an AFC executive shared. "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 maybe the best in the league."
The last couple of seasons, Detroit's coaching staff has deployed Gibbs as part of a tandem with veteran David Montgomery.
When Montgomery went down with a MCL injury, the former Alabama Crimson Tide running back emerged as a player who could be a primary back.
Heading into the 2025 season, assistant coach Tashard Choice is now tasked with assisting Gibbs grow as a pass-catcher and a consistent, explosive option.
"Some evaluators agree Gibbs is best utilized in a 1-2 combo, like he is in Detroit with David Montgomery. As the AFC exec put it, Gibbs can serve as a primary back but "might wear down faster" if asked to absorb too many hits between the tackles due to size. But he runs with a toughness, so it's not like he wouldn't be up for the challenge. And Gibbs did just fine in three games without Montgomery late last season, totaling 365 rushing yards on 64 carries."