Will Anderson says NFL team will get a 'special guy' in Jahmyr Gibbs

Alabama football saw multiple players take the next step in their careers on Monday when linebacker Will Anderson, quarterback Bryce Young and running back Jahmyr Gibbs declared for the 2023 NFL Draft during a press conference. While Anderson is one of the top players in the draft class, that did not stop him from piling praise onto the potential future of his teammates. One reporter asked Anderson about Gibbs and Anderson had nothing but good things to say.

“They’re going to get a pick. They’re going to get a special guy,” Anderson said. “He’s very good, very athletic, can move. I’m super excited to see where his future is. His cuts are ridiculous, his top end speed is crazy, trying to catch him downhill is crazy. Any team that gets him is going to be very blessed to have him.”

Gibbs only spent one season in Tuscaloosa, being one of the high-profile additions head coach Nick Saban made via the transfer portal last offseason. He brought a new dynamic to the Alabama offense, being a consistent ball carrier plus becoming a threat as a receiver out of the backfield.

While an injury came into effect in the final quarter of the season, Gibbs still put up impressive stats throughout the 2022 season. He ended the season with 926 yards and seven touchdowns behind 151 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per rush. Gibbs also added 44 receptions for 444 yards and three more touchdowns. This came after Gibbs went for 1,206 yards and eight touchdowns during two seasons at Georgia Tech.

The decision to enter the NFL Draft comes just a few days after Gibbs and Alabama raced past Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl for a 45-20 win. In the game, Gibbs had 76 yards on 15 carries. For Gibbs, it was never a question that he was not going to opt out and play in the bowl game.

“I think I was always gonna play,” Gibbs said. “I’ve never been in (a bowl game) and I wanted to experience that.”

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.

Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report