NFC Bound? Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson Meets With Two Teams Prior To Draft
Even if he's not the first offensive player selected next Thursday night in the NFL draft, Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson might be the best when all is said and done.
A clear-cut first-round pick, the conversation surrounding Robinson has never been when he'll land, but rather where. Running backs are often considered "luxury" picks on Day 1 due to the expansion of the passing game, but few players in this year's draft might match the impact that Robinson will bring to an offense as a rookie.
Despite being the consensus top running back prospect in the class, there's not an exact drop-off as to when Robinson could hear his name called during the first round. During an interview on the "Dan Patrick Show" Thursday, Robinson revealed that he only visited two teams in person during the pre-draft process.
"I met with two teams for official visits where I went to their city," Robinson said. "[I met with] the Eagles and Buccaneers. But I've been talking to a lot of teams on Zoom and stuff, and on calls. Those are the two places that I've been."
Just because a player isn't invited to visit an organization doesn't mean they aren't on the draft boards. General managers and coaches often use the top 30 visits to garner a better feel of a player's personality and fit with the franchise moving forward.
Robinson, who looks to become the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018, is a fit for every roster. His ability to win in the open field as a runner and as a receiving threat might boost his already momentous stock.
Both Tampa and Philadelphia could be in the market for a lead back following their offseasons. Eagles lead runner Miles Sanders broke out for a career year with over 1,200 rushing yards and elected to leave in free agency. He agreed to terms with Carolina Panthers on a four-year, $25 million deal.
Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, the Eagles signed former Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal. When healthy, Penny has been a stable option in the run game, but his career has been hampered by injuries. Last season, Penny suffered a broken leg in October that required season-ending surgery.
Since 2018, Penny has missed 43 out of a possible 87 career games — including playoffs — over his five NFL seasons due to injury.
The Buccaneers released former first-round pick Leonard Fournette after a woeful 2022 campaign. Nicknamed "Playoff Lenny" for his bruising running style in both 2020 and 2021, Fournette averaged 3.5 yards while totaling 668 rushing yards and 3 TDs on 189 carries.
Tampa is expected to see an increase in production from 2022 third-round pick Rachaad White, but could be tempted to pull the trigger on Robinson should he fall to pick No. 19.
The Eagles are currently slated to pick at No. 10 and No. 30 in the first round. Philadelphia has not used a Day 1 selection on a running back since Keith Byers in 1986.
Robinson was a staple of the Longhorns' offense during his three seasons in Austin. Once Steve Sarkisian arrived from Alabama, his production flourished. The 6-foot, 220-pound runner posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons under Sark's offense and averaged at least 5.8 yards per run.
Last season, Robinson won the Doak Walker Award after rushing for 1,580 yards and 18 TDs. He also was an effective pass-catcher, finishing with 60 career catches for 805 yards and 8 TDs.
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