Former New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas recently admitted something that would have sent a significant piece of the team’s fandom into a tizzy two drafts ago.
Appearing on FOX Sports Radio’s “Draft Night Live,” Douglas revealed the organization was dead set on selecting Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Of course, Gibbs was chosen by the Detroit Lions at No. 12.
“We were dead set on taking Jamhyr Gibbs, and I was prepared to take the heat at the time, “Douglas said. “We were gonna go let’s just load up on weapons, this guy is not just a running back as everyone sees, he isn’t just a runner, he is a weapon out of the backfield in the pass game, and we didn’t think anyone was going to take him until the 20s.”
The Jets’ fascination with Gibbs and their intent to select him if he were available has long been rumored, but now, Douglas has confirmed it.
After taking Breece Hall in the second round of the 2022 draft, fans likely would have been furious if the Jets had selected another running back in a high round for the second consecutive year.
Ultimately, New York selected Will McDonald, who recorded 11 sacks during the 2024 season. However, his run defense still requires significant improvement.
Meanwhile, Gibbs has enjoyed a highly productive start to his NFL career. In 2024, the Alabama product ranked fifth among running backs with 1,412 rushing yards, first in rushing touchdowns (16), and third in yards per carry (5.6).
With Gibbs taken before the Jets could act, the team’s choice of McDonald remains a major topic of debate.
At the very least, despite prior smatterings of Gibbs-to-the-Jets rumors, we now know for sure, courtesy of Joe Douglas.
