The Washington Redskins were without a second-round pick in this year’s NFL draft since they traded it in 2019 to move back into the first round to select DE Montez Sweat. But in this 2020 draft, the Redskins’ scouting staff once again displayed their in-depth knowledge by using their third-round pick (66th overall) to acquire a veritable weapon in WR/RB Antonio Gibson.
Round 3|Pick 66
Antonio Gibson“Swiss Army Knife” type player pic.twitter.com/2XFcT4jlAp
— SportsJourney.com (@SportsJourney) April 25, 2020
Gibson, out of the University of Memphis, was introduced as a running back but, to be clear, the college standout is a wide receiver with the versatility to be used in the backfield. His dual-threat ability could provide the Redskins with a weapon that can create significant matchup problems for opposing team’s defenses.
Although many scouts see him as a “position-less” player, Gibson’s multifarious skills on the football field stand out on film. He showed impressive production as a runner, as a receiver and as a special teams returner in 2019.
During his introductory press conference, Gibson was asked at which position he sees himself taking the most reps.
“[I’d say] ‘everywhere,’” the draft pick joked. “But, to answer your question, it would be running back. The way the game is going today, a lot of running backs can play receiver. I feel like that is the reason that they love me so much… is just being able to do both. So, I think I will start off in the running back room and work my way into learning more positions.”
That said, not every player must be defined by a specific skill position because it’s inevitably in the hands of the coaches to decide how to maximize the talents of their guys.
In 2019 Washington was a lackluster offensively, ending the year 31st in total yards per game at 274.7 and dead last in total passing yards per game at 175.8. The addition of Gibson gives Head Coach Ron Rivera and OC Scott Turner a player that can contribute in a variety of ways but he certainly can bring a new level of unpredictability to an offense that lacked creativity and seemed obvious a lot of times.
As a WR, Gibson may not have big hands or great length but he does provide an explosive threat from the slot.
When watching film, the way he takes advantage of downfield routes against off-coverage is apparent. As a receiver out of the backfield, he has the skills to run the entire route tree and wins often in one-on-one situations in the open field. In his 2019 college season, he amassed 38 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns.
From the backfield, at 6’0″ and 228 lbs., Gibson gets up to speed in just a few steps. He isn’t jumpy but he makes very decisive cuts, exploding through the hole and hitting the second level quickly. He also isn’t afraid to drop a shoulder on defenders, pancaking any defender who fails to bring proper tackling technique when attempting to wrap him up. In 2019, Gibson had 33 rushing attempts for 369 yards and four touchdowns.
Many draft experts compared Gibson to Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey because of his ability to run and catch the ball from either the RB or a WR position. And the 21-year-old rookie compares himself to a few different NFL players.
“A lot of people,” Gibson answered when asked to which NFL players he compares himself. “I feel like I compare myself to [Ty] Montgomery from Green Bay. He was running and catching. [New Orleans Saints RB] Alvin Kamara is another guy, too, for running the ball and catching as well. There are a lot of guys out there. I compare myself to a lot of guys like that.”
The Georgia native can bring a perfect blend of speed and vision as well as creativity and elusiveness in the open field to Washington. But just as important is that the Burgundy and Gold now have another player that simply works hard on and off the field.
“I’m selfless,” Gibson explained of himself. “I’m going to always put in the work to do what I need to do. I love giving back. [I’m] just a respectful young kid that’s ready to work.”
#Redskins fans should be excited about the addition of Memphis RB/WR Antonio Gibson. At @seniorbowl Gibson showed his versatility and played at RB. He reminds me of Chris Thompson on Nitromethane. #NFLDraft #HTTR #NFLDraft2020
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) April 25, 2020