NFL Draft: Bills Linked to RB Jahmyr Gibbs - Report
If they really want to get Texas Longhorns star running back Bijan Robinson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, the Buffalo Bills will likely have to trade up to get him. Praying that he'll fall to them at pick No. 27 might be a pipe dream, especially considering the way he's risen up draft boards a bit recently.
But in a draft that is deep at the position outside of Robinson, the Bills still have play-makers to choose from to help bolster their backfield ... and one that could be on their radar is highly likely to be available for them at No. 27.
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs is considered the second-best ball-carrier in this draft class behind Robinson. And per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Bills are one of the teams currently linked to Gibbs.
If Robinson isn't off the board by pick No. 27, he would be a miracle pick for Buffalo. But it's best not to get hopes up, which makes it more realistic to focus on Gibbs if he's indeed who the Bills are targeting.
If this scenario comes into play, then Gibbs would be the only other running back worth the first-round risk. A versatile and speedy play-maker both as a runner and receiver, he totaled 151 carries for 926 yards and seven touchdowns at Alabama last season. He added on 44 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 10.1 yards per catch as a running back. His 44 grabs also led the team.
However, Gibbs could also fall to anywhere in the second round. Bills general manager Brandon Beane has said that he'd "put money down" for Buffalo to trade back instead of up, which could mean that the Bills move back a few spots out of the first round while also getting their guy in Gibbs and some draft assets.
“I'll tell you, if I was in Vegas right now putting money down, I would say if we were going to do anything, it'd be more likely to go back then go up," Beane said. "But listen, you're talking to a guy who gets antsy at times and goes up and gets guys so Vegas probably would still go against what I just suggested.”
The Bills already have solid backfield for next season with newly-signed former New England Patriot Damien Harris and second-year running back James Cook. But adding an all-around play-maker like Gibbs would certainly bring a new element to Buffalo's elite offense. This makes the potential pairing - regardless of how it happens - something to watch on Thursday night.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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