In the National Football League, the running back position is often considered a risky proposition in the draft’s first round. With a shorter shelf life than many other positions, teams are hesitant to invest a high pick in a player who may have a short career. However, the University of Texas running back Bijan Robinson could be the exception to this rule. After a standout career at Texas that saw him earn All-Big 12 honors as a freshman, Robinson has emerged as one of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft.
To close out his final season with the Longhorns, Robinson finished sixth in the nation with 1,580 rushing yards and tied for fifth with 18 rushing touchdowns. In this article, we’ll look at a few potential landing spots for Robinson and why he could be a game-changer for whichever team is lucky enough to draft him.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons would be a fantastic landing spot for Bijan Robinson. While the team has plenty of weapons on offense, the running back position is a question mark going into the 2023 season. Tyler Allgeier has shown promise but still needs to be proven at the NFL level. With the addition of Robinson, the Falcons would have a dynamic playmaker who can take a ton of pressure off second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Robinson’s ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in the open field would make him a valuable asset in the running and passing game. If the Falcons can improve their quarterback situation, they could have a formidable offense in 2023 with Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Jonnu Smith. With the NFC South wide open again, the addition of Robinson could be just what the Falcons need to make a run at the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles should consider selecting Bijan Robinson in the 2023 NFL Draft. They currently have two picks in the first round to make it happen. After losing Miles Sanders in free agency, the Eagles need a dynamic playmaker at the running back position. Robinson could fill that void and then some. With his combination of speed, power, and elusiveness, Robinson has the potential to be a game-changing running back at the NFL level. He’s also shown the ability to be a productive receiver out of the backfield, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s NFL. By selecting Robinson, the Eagles would have a reliable and explosive running back who can be crucial to their offense for years to come.
His presence on the field would perfectly complement the team’s starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts. In his third year with the organization, the former second-pick has established himself as one of the league’s top passers. While Philadelphia has other needs to address in the draft, adding Robinson would give them stability and playmaking ability at a position crucial to success in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills could greatly benefit from selecting Bijan Robinson in this year’s draft. While Josh Allen is a fantastic quarterback, the Bills have tended to rely on him too heavily in the running game. With the addition of Robinson, the Bills would have a dynamic playmaker who can take some of the pressure off Allen and provide a more balanced offensive attack. Robinson’s combination of speed and power would make him a formidable threat on the ground, and he’s also shown the ability to be a productive receiver out of the backfield.
With the Bills’ rushing attack taking a hit with the departure of Devin Singletary, Robinson could step in and be an immediate impact player for the team. The Bills have a strong receiving corps and a solid offensive line, so the addition of Robinson could be the missing piece that takes their offense to the next level. If the Bills can find a way to add Robinson to their already talented roster, they could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league in 2023.
Dallas Cowboys
With the release of Ezekiel Elliott after seven seasons of stellar production, the Cowboys have turned to Tony Pollard as their primary running back for at least the upcoming season, thanks to the franchise tag he signed in free agency. However, the team’s plans beyond 2023 for the running back position are still being determined. That’s where Robinson comes in.
If the Cowboys select Robinson in the first round of the 2023 draft, he and Pollard could become one of the league’s best running back tandems. Robinson’s skillset complements Pollard’s nicely, as Robinson is a powerful runner who can also be a threat in the passing game, while Pollard is known for his speed and elusiveness. Together, they could provide the Cowboys with a versatile and explosive running game that would keep opposing defenses on their toes.
In addition to the potential on-field impact, Robinson’s addition to the Cowboys could significantly boost their chances of winning a Super Bowl. The team has a talented roster on both sides of the ball, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Robinson could be the missing piece that puts them over the top. With Dak Prescott at quarterback, Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb at wide receiver, and a solid offensive line, the Cowboys’ offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Robinson could be the perfect piece to complete that puzzle and make the Cowboys a championship contender in 2023.
Detroit Lions
Like the Eagles, the Detroit Lions will have two picks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The team has been on the upswing, and the addition of Robinson could make them a contender in the NFC North. D’Andre Swift has shown flashes of brilliance, but his injury concerns and contract status leave some uncertainty at the position. Robinson would bring a dynamic skillset to the Lions’ high-powered offense, making them a dangerous team to face.
His ability to put up Barry Sanders-like numbers is not out of the question, especially with the offensive talent surrounding him in Detroit. The Lions’ offense was ranked third in the league in total yards in 2022, and adding Robinson would make them even more potent. With Jared Goff leading the way at quarterback, Robinson would give him a reliable weapon to lean on in the running game.
The NFC North is expected to be wide open in 2023, with Aaron Rodgers’ future with the Green Bay Packers in question. If he does indeed leave the division, the Lions could be in a prime position to take control. With Robinson in the backfield, the Lions could have a formidable offense that can compete with any team in the league.
With a high-powered offense and a division that could be up for grabs, Robinson could make an immediate impact for the Lions and help lead them to a playoff berth. His dynamic skillset and ability to put up big numbers make him an attractive prospect, and the Lions should strongly consider selecting him in the first round.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers find themselves in a precarious situation with running back Austin Ekeler demanding a trade. Although Ekeler has one year remaining on his contract, adding Robinson to the mix could provide a long-term solution for the team’s backfield needs. With Robinson’s versatility and explosiveness, he could be the perfect complement to quarterback Justin Herbert and help elevate the Chargers’ offense to new heights.
New Orleans Saints
The potential suspension of Alvin Kamara makes the selection of Bijan Robinson by the New Orleans Saints a wise move, especially given their history of moving up in the draft to take players they highly value. The Saints have succeeded with this strategy, and adding Robinson to their roster could significantly boost their running game. However, it’s crucial for the team also to address their needs on the defensive line and tackle positions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether the team values taking the best player available or addressing a pressing need on the roster. Regardless, Robinson would be a great addition to the Saints’ offense and could help them establish themselves as to threat in the NFC South.
