Falcons draw dramatically mixed reviews for drafting Bijan Robinson
By Scott Rogust
The Atlanta Falcons used their eighth-overall pick to select Texas running back Bijan Robinson. The pick has drawn mixed reactions on social media.
Entering the NFL Draft, there was intrigue as to what the Atlanta Falcons would do. They have a quarterback that they think highly of in Desmond Ridder and used their past two first-round picks on tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London. Not to mention that they addressed their defense this offseason by signing safety Jessie Bates III and defensive lineman Calais Campbell. The No. 8 pick could be used on any position.
On Thursday night, the Falcons let it be known that they were taking…Texas running back Bijan Robinson! The former Longhorns star is now the first running back to be selected in the Top 10 since Saquon Barkley when he was selected second-overall by the New York Giants in 2018.
While Robinson is a legitimate top athlete in this entire class, the reactions to the pick were mixed.
Falcons selecting Bijan Robinson No. 8 overall draws mixed reviews
Bijan Robinson to the Falcons means Arthur Smith is never going to throw the ball. Goodbye to our Kyle Pitts and Drake London dreams. pic.twitter.com/n0d0KJHVbg
— M.G. (@MarcasG) April 28, 2023
What a scary offense the Falcons are going to have. Kyle Pitts. Drake London. Tyler Allgeier. Bijan Robinson.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 28, 2023
Falcons were thought to be eyeing Bijan Robinson, and now they land him. Atlanta is putting together a really intriguing offense. Big question is under center
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) April 28, 2023
The Falcons taking Bijan Robinson at No. 8 is a brutal, brutal decision.
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 28, 2023
The Atlanta Falcons just took the best player in this years draft. Bijan Robinson in the ATL will be a TREAT.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 28, 2023
Bijan could be excellent but ALSO the Falcons are a stupid team.
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) April 28, 2023
I'm old enough to remember the last two "generational" RBs who went in the Top 10 of the #NFLDraft . Saquon and Fournette couldn't make their bad teams good (or any better at all), but I'm sure Bijan is the exception #Falcons pic.twitter.com/BEDd9e0itR
— Derek Carty (@DerekCarty) April 28, 2023
While Robinson is one of the best athletes in the class, there is a belief among some in the NFL world that you don’t draft a running back high, especially in the Top 10. That’s because of how much hits running backs take in their careers, and the fact that those critical of picking a running back that highly don’t value the position highly in today’s game. Hence the mixed reaction to the pick.
Playing in the Pac-12 for Texas, Robinson was a monster, averaging 6.3 yards per carry his entire three-year career. This past season, Robinson ran for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns on 258 carries (6.1 yards per carry), while catching 19 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns.
Overall, Robinson recorded 3,410 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns on 539 carries, and 60 receptions for 805 yards and eight touchdowns.
While it may not be a popular pick, Robinson will make an impact down in Atlanta. With Robinson, London, Pitts and running back Tyler Allgeier, head coach Arthur Smith has a lot of legitimate weapons to utilize in his offensive scheme. We’ll see if that will help the Falcons take the winnable NFC South/
Next. 2023 NFL Draft Grades for all 31 first-round picks and trades. dark