WATCH: LaDainian Tomlinson compares Jahymr Gibbs to legendary running back

While the running back position doesn’t usually earn a premium from NFL teams during the NFL Draft, there’s at least one player a legendary running back believes could flip the script on that front.

LaDainain Tomlinson said as much on the NFL Network when discussing Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

“This guy has speed to burn,” Tomlinson said. “If he gets to the Combine and he runs like a 4.2, look out, he might rocket up the draft boards, much like a guy like Chris Johnson did many years ago.”

"If he runs a 4.2, look out, he might rocket up the draft boards like Chris Johnson" @LT_21 is looking for a CJ2k performance from @Jahmyr_Gibbs1 at the NFL Combine. pic.twitter.com/Fr4YnkWXwT

— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) February 21, 2023

While Tomlinson is obviously high on Gibbs speed, there’s also plenty else the talented Alabama back is capable of. He’s certainly not just a one-trick pony to the legendary running back.

Tomlinson provided his full evaluation.

“A guy that I’m looking at is Jahmyr Gibbs, the guy from Alabama who actually started at Georgia Tech and transferred to Alabama,” he said. “You look at this guy and I mean he is quick as all get-out. Very explosive in short-area spaces, can catch the ball out the backfield.”

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. 100 underclassmen were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.