The buzz surrounding Jahmyr Gibbs has taken a monumental leap as ESPN’s annual NFL survey has officially ranked the Detroit Lions’ running back among the top players at his position. For a player who entered the league with high expectations but also shared backfield duties as a rookie, Gibbs’ ascension into the upper echelon of NFL running backs signals not just individual growth but a reflection of the Lions’ rapidly evolving offensive identity. The placement of Gibbs in ESPN’s elite list of running backs is not merely a nod to statistics, but an acknowledgment of his rare blend of speed, agility, and versatility that has captivated coaches, executives, and players across the league. For Detroit, it’s confirmation that their bold first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft was not just justified—it may be the foundation for an era-defining offense.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ rookie season was nothing short of electrifying. Sharing touches with veteran David Montgomery didn’t hinder his ability to impact games. Instead, it underscored his explosiveness. Whether it was a 20-yard dash around the edge, a perfectly timed screen pass for 40 yards, or an acrobatic juke that left defenders flailing in his wake, Gibbs brought a spark that had been missing from the Lions’ backfield for years. He tallied over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage and scored 10 total touchdowns, numbers that would typically define a feature back, not one in a committee system. But it wasn’t just the stats—it was the timing. Gibbs consistently made big plays in crucial moments. He was a closer, a momentum-shifter, and a mismatch nightmare. And now, NFL personnel have taken notice.
Each year, ESPN surveys dozens of NFL executives, coaches, scouts, and players to compile rankings at each position. The running back rankings, in particular, are a blend of respect for past production, projection for future dominance, and the always-debated “intangibles” like vision, durability, and toughness. For Gibbs to find himself ranked among the league’s best so early in his career speaks volumes. It means that league insiders believe his trajectory points skyward. It means that, despite a crowded backfield and the complexities of Detroit’s offense, Gibbs stood out on film, in game plans, and on scouting reports.
What makes Gibbs’ rise even more compelling is how his role has evolved. In the early weeks of his rookie season, there were questions about how the Lions would use him. Critics argued that his snap count was too low for a first-round pick. Fans clamored for more touches. But head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson had a long-term plan. They eased Gibbs into the rigors of the NFL, giving him opportunities to learn the system, adjust to pass protection schemes, and understand the speed of the pro game. By midseason, that plan had matured. Gibbs was no longer a gadget or change-of-pace player—he was a focal point. His touches increased, his impact magnified, and the confidence of the coaching staff was evident.
A key part of what separates Gibbs from many of his peers is his ability to contribute as a receiver. In an era where traditional bell-cow backs are becoming less common, the value of a running back who can line up in the slot, run precise routes, and catch passes like a receiver cannot be overstated. Gibbs displayed that skill set routinely. His route tree expanded as the season progressed, and Jared Goff quickly learned to trust him as a reliable outlet on passing downs. In several games, it was Gibbs’ pass-catching that shifted the momentum, turning broken plays into chain-moving gains. That dual-threat capability is likely one of the primary reasons he climbed the ESPN rankings.
The respect from league insiders is also a testament to the Lions’ player development infrastructure. Detroit has not traditionally been known as a team that nurtures offensive superstars. But under the new regime, a culture of accountability, creativity, and physicality has taken hold. The coaching staff empowered Gibbs while also challenging him to grow. And he responded. His improved pass protection, willingness to run between the tackles, and growing comfort with the playbook all contributed to his breakout campaign. Gibbs didn’t just rely on speed and athleticism—he refined his technique, trusted the process, and proved he could be a three-down back.
Another layer to Gibbs’ rise is how he performed against top-tier competition. Some of his best games came against playoff-bound teams, when defenses were at their sharpest and game plans were specifically designed to limit him. He was not fazed. In fact, he often thrived. His ability to accelerate through tight gaps, make tacklers miss in space, and bounce off contact showed that he wasn’t just a finesse runner. Gibbs could be physical when needed, patient when required, and explosive when the window opened. That adaptability and resilience likely contributed to the respect he earned in the ESPN survey.
There’s also the intangible quality that Gibbs brings—call it electricity, or simply presence. When he’s on the field, defenders adjust. Linebackers edge closer to the line. Safeties cheat toward his side. Defensive coordinators shade coverage and assign spies. He alters the geometry of a defense. That’s a trait reserved for the elite, the game-changers, the players who force opponents to rethink their entire approach. And now, according to those surveyed by ESPN, Gibbs has joined that rare group.
For the Lions, the ranking is more than a badge of honor for Gibbs—it’s validation for the front office. When Detroit selected Gibbs 12th overall in 2023, the move was met with skepticism. Many believed it was too high for a running back, especially one projected to be a part of a timeshare. But Brad Holmes and company saw what others didn’t. They saw a weapon. Not just a ball carrier, but a scheme-elevating, matchup-breaking, culture-defining offensive piece. One season later, the national media and league insiders are starting to agree.
Looking ahead, the expectations for Gibbs will only grow. With the Lions entering the 2025 season as legitimate contenders in the NFC, his role is likely to expand further. Montgomery remains a key part of the backfield, but Gibbs’ dynamic skill set means he will often be the centerpiece of Detroit’s offensive game plans. Whether it’s through zone runs, screens, jet sweeps, or vertical routes from the slot, Gibbs will be tasked with shouldering a heavier load and delivering in the moments that matter most. The league now views him as one of the best—it’s a badge of honor, but also a target.
As defenses scheme more aggressively to contain him, Gibbs will need to evolve. He’ll need to anticipate adjustments, develop counters, and continue building chemistry with Goff and the offensive line. But everything about his rookie season suggests he’s ready for that challenge. He’s not just fast—he’s smart. Not just flashy—he’s disciplined. And with the support of a coaching staff that knows how to maximize talent, the sky is truly the limit.
It’s also worth noting how Gibbs’ success reverberates throughout the Lions’ locker room. His emergence opens up the playbook for everyone else. It creates more space for Amon-Ra St. Brown. It keeps defenses honest against Jameson Williams’ speed. It allows Ben Johnson to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically with creative formations and motions. Gibbs is not just a great individual player—he’s a multiplier. He makes everyone around him better by virtue of the attention he commands and the versatility he offers.
Off the field, Gibbs has also become a fan favorite. His humility, work ethic, and infectious energy have resonated in a city hungry for a hero. Detroit loves its grinders, its overachievers, its athletes who defy expectations. In Gibbs, they’ve found a star who embodies all those traits and adds a layer of flair rarely seen in a Lions jersey. He’s already a staple of highlight reels, and now he’s gaining national recognition from his peers and the league’s decision-makers.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the spotlight on Jahmyr Gibbs will only intensify. He’s no longer an unproven rookie or a complementary piece—he’s a headliner. The ESPN survey is more than just a preseason ranking. It’s a message: Jahmyr Gibbs has arrived, and the league knows it. Now, it’s up to him to take that recognition and turn it into legacy. If his rookie year is any indication, he’s well on his way. The Lions have long searched for a back who could redefine the position for them. In Jahmyr Gibbs, they may have found not just one of the league’s best—but a generational talent who’s just getting started.
