The Detroit Lions have already shown how much they value Jahmyr Gibbs, and the former first-round pick has backed that up by turning into one of the league’s real stars.
Gibbs is a three-time Pro Bowler who has been outstanding over the last three seasons, and with David Montgomery now with the Houston Texans, he could be lined up for a huge 2026 season as the full-time running back.
Still, before the season even gets rolling, ESPN’s Mike Clay gave Gibbs and the Lions’ backfield a ranking that feels a little light: No. 5 in the NFL.
Clay put the Indianapolis Colts at No. 1, led by Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has been a strong running back, but it’s tough to argue he should be four spots ahead of Gibbs.
The Philadelphia Eagles came in at No. 2 with Saquon Barkley, who is absolutely good enough to land in the top five. Even so, putting him ahead of Gibbs after Barkley’s down 2025 season feels questionable.
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers checked in at No. 3, and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons landed at No. 4. Both backs have a legitimate argument to be ranked above Gibbs.
That said, once Taylor and Barkley are slotted ahead of him, Gibbs gets pushed down to fifth, and calling him the fifth-best running back in the NFL feels a little off.
The numbers explain why Gibbs has such a strong case. He ran for 1,223 yards on 243 carries and scored 13 rushing touchdowns.
He also added 77 catches for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns. And he did it with a worse offensive line than some of the backs ranked ahead of him.
This isn’t some outrageous slight - all five of these runners belong among the league’s elite. But Gibbs at the bottom of that group still feels a bit too low for a player who looks primed for a major breakout and could be next year’s No. 1 back.
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