Wyoming Cowboys linebacker Easton Gibbs is among the most productive linebacker prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. A multi-year starter, Gibbs accumulated 364 tackles throughout his Wyoming career, the eighth-most in Cowboys history. Gibbs, a two-time All-Mountain West selection, was named a captain at last week’s East-West Shrine Bowl and has received an invite to this year’s 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Gibbs recently spoke with The Draft Network for an exclusive interview. Gibbs discussed his experience at the East-West Shrine Game, which NFL teams showed interest in his services, playing the linebacker spot, and more.
JM: You depart Wyoming with 364 tackles to your name. What an astounding number. How do you reflect on your time as a Cowboy?
Easton Gibbs: It was great. I wouldn’t change it for the world. All of these players entering the transfer portal have gotten crazy over the past few years. It never interested me. Wyoming was my home for the past five years. I loved every moment of it, especially the people that call this state home. The people made it all worthwhile.
JM: You recently participated in the East-West Shrine Game. You were named a team captain. What was the overall experience like?
Easton Gibbs: It was awesome. I was a late invite, but I arrived on the same day as every other player in attendance. I packed quickly and got myself down there (laughs). I was just blessed to have the opportunity to participate in a great pre-draft event. I tried to show off what I’m capable of against that level of competition. I’m just taking things one step at a time. I wanted to get as much out of it as I could.
I ran into so many former NFL players out there. Picking their brains was an awesome experience. They were very helpful and beneficial to me. The event itself was so well done. Eric Galko and his crew do a great job. It was a great game.
JM: What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and decision-makers in attendance?
Easton Gibbs: Coming from Wyoming, I know they wanted to see how I’d perform against better competition than the Group of 5. I was playing against some big-time prospects from big-time programs at the Shrine Bowl. I think I proved that I can play at that level. I belong in that conversation.
JM: Did you meet with any NFL teams while participating?
Easton Gibbs: I met with most NFL teams in attendance, yes. It was awesome. I had a great chat with the Denver Broncos. They’re right down the road from us here at Wyoming. It was a great conversation. They’ve come to see me play many times throughout the last three years.
I also had a great meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. The scout in attendance was a stand-up guy. I actually spoke with several members of the Eagles staff in attendance. It went well.
JM: That’s great. How would you describe your skill set? Self-scout yourself for us.
Easton Gibbs: I think I definitely thrive while playing in coverage. I enjoy playing in space in both man and zone coverage. I’m a great tackler in space. I have a great feel for playing within the box as well.
JM: I want to expand on that. Talk to me about the importance of playing in coverage as a linebacker in today’s pass-happy league.
Easton Gibbs: I’m extremely comfortable playing in coverage. That’s one area of my game I’ve wanted to get better in every single year I’ve been in college. I’ve constantly worked at it, and I’m still working at it.
Everybody sees the way the NFL is trending toward pass-happy offenses. That’s the direction the league has been heading in. As a linebacker, you have to be able to play all three downs to bring real value to a defense. That’s how you become a successful player in the league.
Linebackers have had to evolve into something new as a result. It’s something we continuously have to get better at.
JM: You hit the nail on the head. You received an invite to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Which drills are you most excited for?
Easton Gibbs: I’m really excited to run the 40-yard dash. It’s been a while since I’ve run a 40. I’ll be training for that throughout the pre-draft process. It should be a lot of fun. I’m also looking forward to anything that tests agility, change of direction, things of that nature.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Easton Gibbs in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Easton Gibbs: I’m a hard-working player and a great locker room guy. I’m the first one in, last one to leave type of player. I’m going to come in with the right attitude. I’m somebody you love having around because I’ll do whatever necessary to win. I’m great for team-building relationships and the culture.
