Jahmyr Gibbs Ranks Second in NFL Running Back Poll

ESPN Poll Overview

ESPN’s annual positional ranking gathers input from more than 70 NFL coaches, executives, and scouts. The voters each submit a top‑10 list, which ESPN then averages to produce a composite score. This season’s running‑back poll highlights a clear shift in perception for Detroit’s feature back.

Running back polling began with Jahmyr Gibbs sitting at third place last year. This year he moved up one spot, landing behind only Bijan Robinson. The jump reflects growing confidence among league insiders about his role moving forward.

What NFL Insiders Are Saying

One anonymous coordinator called Gibbs “the most dangerous player when he has the ball.” The same voter praised his vision, speed, and ability to explode through angles, adding that he’s “elite in the passing game.” Another observer highlighted Gibbs’s touchdown production, noting he has 39 rushing scores in just three seasons. The NFC exec labeled the tally “crazy” given the split‑time carry shares he has faced.

The close margin between Gibbs and Robinson is evident in the voting numbers. Robinson edged Gibbs out with an average rating of 1.78, while Gibbs accumulated nearly as many first‑place votes. The lowest ranking any voter placed on Gibbs was eighth, whereas Robinson never fell below fourth.

Voting Details and Rankings

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the contest was tight, with Robinson’s slight edge coming despite a near‑tie in first‑place selections. No other NFC North back cracked the top ten this cycle. Packers running back Josh Jacobs earned an honorable mention, and former Lions back D’Andre Swift, now with Chicago, also received votes.

The vote breakdown underscores how tightly packed the running‑back class is at the top. While Gibbs’s consistent high placements show trust from voters, Robinson’s steady support kept him on top. Both players are seen as potential franchise backs for their respective teams.

Implications for the Detroit Lions

Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated this offseason that Gibbs is being groomed as the bell‑cow back. Campbell said Gibbs can run any scheme, from outside plays to gap schemes, and has shown the ability to create his own space. “We’re going to ask a lot of him,” Campbell added, signaling a heavier workload.

With the Lions planning to lean on Gibbs, the second‑place ranking could be a launching pad for a breakout season. If he maintains his production, Gibbs may challenge for the top spot in next year’s 2027 poll. The increased workload will also provide a clearer showcase of his receiving skills and breakaway speed.

Broader NFC North Context

Only Detroit’s backfield made a significant impact in this year’s poll, as no other NFC North running backs broke the top ten. Jacobs’s mention hints that Packers fans might see a resurgence from their backfield. Swift’s lingering presence in the voting demonstrates that his previous tenure with the Lions still garners respect.

As the league moves toward training camp, the running‑back rankings will serve as a conversation starter among fans and analysts. Gibbs’s rise suggests the Lions are building around a young, dynamic runner, while the tight competition with Robinson keeps the narrative fresh heading into the 2026 season.