Draft Profile: Antonio Gibson

April 9, 2020 /
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 228lb
  • College: Memphis
  • Tape watched: Cincinatti, Penn State, SMU
  • NFL Comparison: Cordarelle Patterson

Pros

  • Playmaking
    Put him at wide receiver, put him at running back, let him return kicks, it doesn’t matter, just get Gibson the ball. He possesses great vision, speed, contact balance, and an ability to score on every touch. Gibson is one of the premier playmakers in the draft.
  • Hands
    Antonio Gibson has good hands and a natural ability to catch the football. He adjusted well to poorly thrown footballs, and had quite a few highlight reel catches for his limited time at receiver.
  • YAC
    Hand in hand with his playmaking ability, Gibson has exceptional acceleration and speed after the catch. Speed isn’t his only calling card however, his running back background portrays itself in every touch. Gibson will lower his pads and deliver hits to defenders, and bounce off would-be tacklers.
  • Blocking
    Gibson showed a willingness to block on both QB power runs and screen plays. He has a tenacity you love to see from the position, and breaks down to seal off lanes.

Cons

  • Route Running
    Gibson will have to improve every facet of his route running abilities. With a lack of natural feel for routes, most of Gibson’s production came from simple screens, wildcat plays, and quick-crossing routes to fabricate touches for the special athlete. He fails to vary his speed through the route, and his route stem usually lacks suddenness and purpose. He can stretch the field on go-routes, however.
  • Versatility
    The same versatility that is a plus ability for him, also is a con if his true position will end up as a wide receiver. Gibson is limited in the ways he can be used as a receiver. He will never be a redzone threat with his inability to create separation under defenses and a lack of jump-ball traits.

Overview

Antonio Gibson enters the draft with nearly the same number of career catches (44) to rushing attempts (33), showcasing the lack of experience he has at wide receiver. Gibson is an elite athlete that if he can transition his traits and success to the NFL, teams will have no choice but to find ways to get the ball in his hands. Electric with the football and a tenacious knack for contact, if Gibson can learn the nuances of the receiver position, he can be special. For now, he seems to be a mid to late round draft pick for a team betting on his development.