NFL Draft: 3 teams that should pass on Bijan Robinson despite RB need

Detroit Lions could pass on Bijan Robinson twice to double-down on physicality

Like with the Chicago Bears, Robinson would actually do great things with the Detroit Lions, but I don’t think this is the offseason they need to draft a star running back in the first round, even if Mel Kiper thinks they will. Because the Lions are not committed to Jared Goff long-term, they could be in the quarterback market more than we even realize this year, or next. They will want to avoid being the New York Giants.

An issue the previous regime ran into was taking Barkley a year before they drafted Daniel Jones. This led to an inverted growth model and the Giants had to do some weird things to right the wrongs of the previous regime. For Detroit, this is all about a slow, methodical and organic rebuild. Personally, I think they need to go draft two blue-chippers like Aidan Hutchinson and Penei Sewell.

Robinson is a blue-chipper like those two, but I feel they can get better value for a high-quality running back in day two than taking Robinson at No. 18, let alone at No. 6. In theory, the Lions would probably want Jalen Carter to fall to them at No. 6 and then take a flier on Hendon Hooker at No. 18 as the fifth quarterback taken. I would draft two physical players: Carter and another.

Taking Robinson at No. 18 would be fine, but I would not prioritize drafting him if I were Detroit.