Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson Expected To Be 'Full Go' at NFL Combine
Expect to see plenty of Bijan Robinson this week in Indianapolis.
According to the reports, the former Texas Longhorns running back is expected to participate in all on-field drills at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Robinson will then have a quick turnaround to work drills at Texas' Pro Day on March 9.
According to NFL Network, Robinson had the option to skip drills with the short room for rest, but elected to compete in front of scouts. The reigning Doak Walker Award winner is expected to be the first running back selected and could garner a top-10 consensus grade with a promising outing.
A three-year starter on the Forty Acres, Robinson is considered by many to be the "safest" running back prospect since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Barkley was viewed as a top-five talent in the class when selected No. 2 overall by the New York Giants. Multiple scouts have given Robinson a top-10 grade despite the lacking value of the running back position.
"The most consistently highest-rated player in the draft," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said. "Everybody says that Bijan Robinson is not only the best running back in this class, he's one of the five best players in this draft. He's elite."
The running back position has lost value over the past decade. While teams still covet hard-nose runners and multi-purpose backs, most selections come near the end of Round 1 instead of inside the top 10.
Should Robinson hear his name called during the first round, he would become the first Longhorns' running back selection on Day 1 since Cedric Benson in 2005. Benson was selected by the Chicago Bears fifth overall and played eight seasons for three different teams.
One team that consistently has been linked to Robinson through the pre-draft process is the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite winning the NFC, Philadelphia could be in the market for a new lead back with Miles Sanders entering free agency.
The Eagles have two picks in the first round, including the New Orleans Saints' pick at No. 10.
"I know (Eagles general manager) Howie (Roseman) doesn’t take running backs. I know Howie doesn’t take linebackers," Jeremiah said. "But when you look at that offense with Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, and all of a sudden you drop in Bijan Robinson into that mix, holy moly. That would be fun to watch. He is a special, special player. One of the best backs we’ve seen in the last several years.”
Robinson finished with a career-high 1,580 yards on 258 carries and scored 18 rushing touchdowns during his final season with the Longhorns. For his career, Robinson totaled 4,215 total yards of offense and 41 touchdowns.
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