Bengals' interest in Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is growing
Would the Cincinnati Bengals take a running back in the first round? Only if the board falls that way for them. Positions such as cornerback and pass rusher will be watched closely by the Bengals' war room tonight. Those particular classes are relatively strong compared to the rest of the draft, so they may not […]
Would the Cincinnati Bengals take a running back in the first round? Only if the board falls that way for them.
Positions such as cornerback and pass rusher will be watched closely by the Bengals' war room tonight. Those particular classes are relatively strong compared to the rest of the draft, so they may not get their ideal player with the 28th overall pick.
Enter Jahmyr Gibbs, who's projected to land somewhere right before the first round ends. The consensus No. 2 running back in this year's class, Gibbs fits most of the Bengals' preferred thresholds at the position. The only question is if the team would legitimately considering taking him at that juncture.
In his latest rumor piece for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer mentioned the Bengals as a team interested in the former Alabama running back.
"Always intrigued to hear what teams are interested in the same guys, and such is the case with the Giants and Chiefs leading up to tomorrow, with both linked in NFL circles to Boston College WR Zay Flowers and Alabama Jahmyr Gibbs. I've also heard the Ravens and Vikings connected to Flowers, and the Bills and Bengals tied to Gibbs, with both being intriguing jacks of all trades for creative offensive coordinators. Both should go Thursday." – SI's Albert Breer
The four teams listed above, including the Bengals, pick between 25th and 31st overall. That creates the earliest expected window for Gibbs to land in the draft. DraftKings Sportsbook has the odds of over 1.5 running backs taken in the first round at -300.
In addition to Breer's report, NFL.com's Charles Davis slotted Gibbs to the Bengals in his final mock draft, and colleague Daniel Jeremiah also noted the team's interest in Gibbs in his final mock.
The Bengals also met with Gibbs at the NFL Scouting Combine back in March, so there's at least reported contact between the team and player.
Projecting the end of the first round is always tough, but when it comes to the Bengals, smoke usually indicates fire. Gibbs makes so much schematic sense for their offense, as the team's pass-first identity would befit the 21-year old's receiving skillset to a tee.
But there's always the caveat of investing a first-round pick in a running back. Gibbs would immediately become a handsomely-paid player at a position that has little value in the NFL. His receiving prowess, however, makes him a unique case for an offense needing to replace passing down snaps at the position. The Bengals have yet to fill Samaje Perine's roster spot.
Gibbs probably won't be the pick if a cornerback or pass rusher of their liking is available. In the case he stands out among the rest, there's definitely a chance.
