There has been talk that the New England Patriots might be interested in taking a running back high in the 2023 NFL draft. If that ends up being the case, ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs would be the best fit for the Patriots offense.
Gibbs is one of the most versatile and explosive playmakers in the country. His fit with the Patriots is interesting considering they already have Rhamondre Stevenson and James Robinson on the roster. The addition of Gibbs would give them arguably the deepest and best offensive backfield in the NFL.
Bowen wrote:
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.
The Patriots are in dire need of more explosive playmakers on offense, and Gibbs would help them start striking fear into the hearts of opposing defenses.
He posted career-high numbers in his final year at Alabama with 151 rushes for 926 yards and seven touchdowns, along with hauling in 44 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns. There’s always a threat of him taking it to the house every time the ball is in his hands, which is the sort of high-end playmaking skill set the Patriots desperately need.
Keep in mind, the Patriots could also use help at receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle and safety. So there are clearly other areas to fill on the depth chart.
But then again, a player as talented as Gibbs might be too good to pass on, especially if he’s still on the board in the second round.
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