By Mummy Grace 
After an electrifying 2024 season, the third-year running back has surged to No. 3 in ESPN’s annual NFL running back rankings, voted on by over 70 coaches, executives, and scouts. That’s a huge jump from No. 8 last year and shows how quickly Gibbs is earning respect around the league.
The “Sonic” Boom in Detroit
Gibbs didn’t just run wild last year — he led all NFL running backs with 20 touchdowns. And he did that while splitting carries with veteran David Montgomery. That’s the kind of production that turns heads, especially when you’re averaging 5.6 yards per carry and catching passes like a wideout.
One AFC executive even compared Gibbs to Reggie Bush — “just with a little more power.” That’s elite company, but what sets Gibbs apart is how efficient he’s been early in his career. He’s not just flashy — he’s reliable and dangerous every time he touches the ball.
Breaking Past the Big Names
The 23-year-old ranked ahead of stars like Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson in ESPN’s list, trailing only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. He’s quickly becoming the face of a young, explosive Lions offense alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff.
And with Detroit pushing deeper into playoff territory, Gibbs is gaining momentum — both in reputation and in fantasy football rankings, where he’s now a top-tier RB pick.
What’s Next?
With training camp just around the corner, the big question is how the Lions will manage Gibbs’ role moving forward. Will they unleash him even more? Or keep the current balance with Montgomery?
Either way, Detroit has a star in the making — and Gibbs is proving he might just be the Lions’ best weapon since Barry Sanders.