NFL Analyst Believes Bengals Are Best Fit For Top Running Back in 2023 NFL Draft

Will the Bengals address running back early in this year's draft?

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Apr 6, 2023 7:45 AM EDT

In this story:

Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — The 2023 NFL Draft is just three weeks away and one NFL analyst thinks the Bengals are a perfect fit for one of the top running backs in this class.

Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano believes Jahmyr Gibbs would be the perfect player to pair with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

"Gibbs lacks size, but he’s a versatile running back who can quickly become a quarterback’s best friend on the field," Manzano wrote. "He’s a standout pass-catcher, and his skill set resembles what Austin Ekeler has done for the Chargers. With Samaje Perine now in Denver, Gibbs would form a strong backfield committee with Joe Mixon—if the Bengals don’t part with Mixon."

Gibbs isn't the biggest back at 5-9, 199 pounds, but he's exactly what the Bengals could be looking for in the backfield, regardless of Mixon's future.

Cincinnati met with the 21-year-old at the NFL Combine. He's one of the best pass catching backs in this class and would give Burrow another dynamic threat to work with on offense.

Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson. He is considered the second-best running back in this draft behind Texas star Bijan Robinson.

Could the Bengals take him with the 28th overall pick? He won't be there when they're on the clock in round two, which means he could be a potential trade down candidate if they move down from the 28th selection.

Read Manzano's entire article here.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Bengals Officially a Destination: Irv Smith Jr. Picked Cincinnati Over Miami

Report: Space Opens For Bengals Permanent Indoor Practice Facility

Look: Bengals Tied At Top Of NFL Win Total Projections

Prospect Breakdown: Is Michael Mayer Perfect Fit For Cincinnati Bengals?

Grading The Deal: Bengals Deserve High Praise For Landing Orlando Brown Jr.

PFF Names Joe Burrow Top Quarterback Prospect In NFL Draft Since 2020

Josh Whyle, Tyler Scott Discuss Possibly Playing For Bengals At UC Pro Day

Chidobe Awuzie Hypes Up Tyler Boyd As One Of Bengals' Top Playmakers