In key moments when Wyoming needed a momentum-shifting defensive stop, Easton Gibbs often provided.
In 2022, the Cowboys were trailing Ohio 18-17 in the Arizona Bowl early in the fourth quarter. The Bobcats had driven down to Wyoming’s 36-yard line and were looking to expand their lead if they converted on third-and-8.
But Gibbs ruined those plans. Right before the snap, the linebacker crept close to the line of scrimmage over the center. He blitzed and was in the backfield in less than a second. He took down the opposing quarterback, jarring the ball loose in the process. Ohio recovered but had to settle for a punt on the drive.
Gibbs can alter the complexion of games. He now hopes to be yet another Wyoming alum who makes it in the NFL.
“It means the world to me, representing that state and that university,” Gibbs said at the NFL Combine about Wyoming. “It’s the only team in the state, so it’s really cool to have the opportunity to play for them, that they took me in, and I definitely try to carry on that tradition.”
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Easton Gibbs Draft Projection
I project Gibbs will be selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings or the Seattle Seahawks would be good fits.
“Making it to the next level, that’s what we’re all here for,” Gibbs said. “Manifestation is a powerful thing, so believing in yourself and moving forward in that aspect.”
Easton Gibbs’ 40 Time And NFL Combine Performance
Gibbs ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in 4.73 seconds. That was the 14th-best time among linebackers.
At 6-foot, 232 pounds, he was also 14th in the vertical jump at 31.5 inches and 17th in the broad jump at 9 feet, 1 inch.
“I think that’s what this experience is about,” Gibbs said, “me proving myself.”
Easton Gibbs’ Stats And Highlights
Gibbs, a four-year starter, was a third-team Group of Five All-American this past season for good reason.
Gibbs tallied 109 tackles, four for loss, with two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and five pass breakups.
In Pro Football Focus’ grades, he ranked 23rd among FBS linebackers in this year’s draft class who played at least 200 snaps. He was also in the top 20 for tackling, missed tackle rate, and pass coverage. He allowed 27 catches on 38 targets for 216 yards with no touchdowns.
He was third in the Mountain West and 22nd in the country with 121 tackles in 2022 en route to first-team all-conference accolades. He added three sacks and a forced fumble.
The season before, he posted 90 tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, a forced fumble, and four pass breakups. After redshirting in 2019, he tallied 42 tackles and 2.5 TFLs in 2020.
Gibbs said he’s learned a great deal from former Wyoming players who are now in the NFL.
“I learned everything from those guys,” he said. “From when I first got in there, just following those guys around and seeing how they prepped for games or how they even hydrated. A big thing was how they watch film. Even to this day when they’re at the next level, just watching how they play the game at that level and how successful they’ve been has been huge for me as well.”
Easton Gibbs’ NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Gibbs’ playing style in the NFL will be similar to Blake Cashman of the Minnesota Vikings. They have similar frames, Cashman was a Day 3 pick in the 2019 draft, and both can defend the run and drop back in coverage equally well.
Gibbs’ strength, arguably, is his versatility. From pretty much any linebacker spot, he could help a pro defense on all three downs.
Against the run, he reads plays and navigates the line of scrimmage well. While he occasionally lost some ground when being blocked, he does a good job of keeping his eyes on the ball while at the point of attack so he can make a play even when a few yards have been lost.
He’s also a dependable tackler. He keeps his pad level low when trying to take down ball carriers and doesn’t rely on arm tackles.
In coverage, he has some decent speed and can keep up with some running backs and tight ends. That will be an especially critical skill at the next level.
“I think it’s just the blue-collar work ethic that we have there,” Gibbs said of Wyoming’s program. “It’s definitely not an easy place to play. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, though. Those guys have pushed me harder than anybody in my life, and it also turned out to be the most rewarding experience of my life. So I’m just excited to keep continuing that tradition that Wyoming has and bring that hard-working style to the NFL.”
