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“Top Young Star in the NFL Backfield”: Jahmyr Gibbs Ranked Among PFF’s Best Under 25 Entering 2025

The Detroit Lions capped off a remarkable 2024 campaign with a 15-2 record, securing their second straight NFC North title. However, their postseason run ended in disappointment with a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round, held at Ford Field on January 18, 2025.

One of the brightest spots on the Lions’ roster has been running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who, alongside David Montgomery, has formed a dynamic duo in the backfield. With the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—now the head coach of the Chicago Bears—the Lions’ offensive scheme could change in 2025. How that shift will impact Gibbs remains to be seen, but his recent performance shows he’s among the league’s elite young talents.

Jahmyr Gibbs Earns Top-10 Spot on PFF’s Under-25 Rankings

Ahead of the 2025 season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Gibbs as the 10th-best NFL player under the age of 25. Just ahead of him at No. 9 is Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, setting up an ongoing comparison between the two standout backs, who were selected just four picks apart in the 2023 NFL Draft.

PFF’s evaluation highlights Gibbs’ outstanding play:

Overall grade over three years: 90.2

Total snaps since 2022: 1,371

Though Robinson edged him out slightly in PFF’s 2024 rushing grades, Gibbs continues to post elite numbers. In both his first two seasons—including playoff games—he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards. His 2024 season was his best yet, finishing top-five among NFL running backs with 1,412 rushing yards, 517 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns.

At just 23 years old, Gibbs averaged 5.6 yards per carry on 250 rushing attempts and hauled in 52 receptions, averaging nearly 10 yards per catch. His explosiveness and versatility have made him a key weapon in Detroit’s offense.

As the Lions adapt to life without Johnson calling plays, the spotlight will be on Gibbs to see if he can maintain or even elevate his production in his third NFL season. With his impressive stats and growth, he’s making a strong case to be viewed as one of the top five running backs in the league going into 2025.

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