Texas running back Bijan Robinson has found a new home in Atlanta. On Thursday, the Falcons drafted Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick.
While many projected the talented back to see his name called early, the move is still a surprising one given how many devalue the running back position. Even so, the Longhorns great became the first Texas offensive player since Vince Young to be drafted in the Top 10.
Let’s be clear about where we see Robinson among Texas greats. With all due respect to Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson and all the Longhorn greats to wear the burnt orange, I have never seen a more effortless Texas runner than Bijan at the position. He is the most uniquely gifted back in school history.
With the above thoughts in mind, here are a few takeaways from Atlanta’s move to draft Robinson.
Positional value concerns
Here’s the argument for Bijan Robinson in one graph: pic.twitter.com/BH9eC6qK4w
— parker, somewhat v e r i f i e d (@statsowar) April 27, 2023
Prevailing wisdom in the NFL is that running back is not a valuable position. Some assert you can plug about anybody into the position and achieve virtually the same results. Perhaps those analytics experts should try the above chart on for size. Robinson, and Roschon Johnson, proved far better than the average running back at making defenders miss. That’s just one facet of Bijan’s unique skill set.
Always draft “dudes”
Human Highlight Reel@Bijan5Robinson pic.twitter.com/dxsbR4goX6
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 27, 2023
Bijan Robinson is that dude. You don’t pass on “that dude.” Texas relied on him to run on third and long or play the role of vertical threat in two-minute drills. When called upon to take over games, he delivered. He is perhaps the most can’t miss prospect in this draft.
Best available
The Atlanta Falcons have drafted #Texas RB…
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