The New England Patriots seem set at running back, but new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien could covet his former weapon from the Crimson Tide.
This time of the year in the NFL there is no shortage of speculation, from team executives to so-called "experts". Some of it is merely wild guessing - connecting imaginary dots - as to which rookie prospect is a good "fit" for a specific team.
Most of the time it's fantasy football, and reality turns out nowhere close ... right, Cole Strange?
On the surface, the New England Patriots being "interested" in drafting an Alabama running back - just weeks after letting another Crimson Tide runner walk away in free agency - seems to be one of those baseless rumors.
But let's dig a little deeper as to the Pats' potential fascination with Jahmyr Gibbs.
For multiple reasons, it doesn't make sense. First and foremost, they just rid themselves of Damien Harris. Last Spring, they spent two draft picks on young running backs in Pierre Strong Jr. (fourth round) and Kevin Harris (sixth). And, lastly, they recently signed former Jets' running back James Robinson in free agency.
As of now, Rhamondre Stevenson is the No. 1 feature back, followed by Robinson, Strong and Harris. Not spectacular, but solid.
Coming off an 8-9 season, with a rift between coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones, and with glaring holes to fill at receiver and along the offensive line, running back wouldn't seem to be a priority position of need.
Nonetheless, there have already been rumblings about the Patriots "liking" Texas' blue-chip runner Bijan Robinson. He may or may not be available when they make their first-round pick at No. 14 overall.
But then comes Gibbs, who - here we go - according to an ESPN analyst is the "best possible fit" for New England.
Says ESPN:
Why he fits:
The Patriots have depth in the running back room with Rhamondre Stevenson, James Robinson and 2022 fourth-round pick Pierre Strong Jr. Even so, I like Gibbs here because he has a dynamic skill set that would add a playmaking element which is currently missing at the position in New England. With his 4.36 speed and formation flexibility to upgrade the pass game for new coordinator Bill O’Brien, I see Gibbs as an offensive asset for the Patriots. He can pick up big chunks on perimeter run schemes or backfield releases to give quarterback Mac Jones leveled reads.
Plus, I’d love to see Gibbs flexed outside to run unders and screens for the Pats after he caught 44 passes at Alabama in 2022. He has home-run juice, too, breaking free for 25 rushes for 10 or more yards last season. The Patriots need a jolt of speed on this side of the ball.
In addition to Gibbs' unique skill-set, he played at Alabama under new Patriots' offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. He led the Crimson Tide in rushing yards, receptions, and receiving yards.
Gibbs to the Pats may make some sense, but certainly not in the first round.
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