Jahmyr Gibbs rushes into an elite tier in latest RB rankings

NFL executives, coaches, and scouts were recently asked by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler to rank the top 10 running backs in the NFL as we careen for the 2025 season, and Jahmyr Gibbs earned a ton of love from them.

The Detroit Lions' top running back landed at 3rd overall on the list, just behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. That's an incredible position to be in for the third year running back, who is looking to be just as impactful as he was in 2024 when he led the league with 20 rushing touchdowns.

"He's a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little bit more power," an 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."

Gibbs, who carried a load of the carries for Detroit down the stretch last year when David Montgomery went down with an injury, continues to improve despite his 5'9" frame. He shows no limits because of his height, allowing his power to speak for itself as he becomes a key part to the Lions' offense for the future.

Gibbs lands amongst elite running back tier in latest rankings

Landing just behind powerhouses like Barkley and Henry is a huge feat, especially in a league still occupied by running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson.

Additionally, in Fowler's rankings last year, Gibbs was only 8th on this same survey. That shows that this group of execs and coaches who watched the 2024 season can see another leap possible in Gibbs, who already took a major step forward with 1,412 rushing yards and 6.5 yards per carry on 250 total carries.

"Some evaluators agree Gibbs is best utilized in a 1-2 combo, like he is in Detroit withDavid 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 his size. But he runs with toughness, so it's not like he wouldn't be up for the challenge," wrote Fowler of Gibbs' usage.

Montgomery will be back, of course, but the question remaining is just how much run blocking will he and Gibbs need to recreate some of their magic from 2024? With Frank Ragnow gone, we could feasibly see a step back in the Lions' run game through no fault of Montgomery or Gibbs, but simply because the team will still be working out the kinks associated with a new center.

However, head coach Dan Campbell and his crew were just named "developmental wizards" in Madden 26, so maybe they can work something out with this offensive line that'll allow for "Sonic and Knuckles" to keep boosting their respective stock and the Lions' offense.