Fantasy Impact: Falcons Take Bijan Robinson in 2023 NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons selected Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was sensational in his final two seasons in college, putting up a combined 2,707 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns. He also averaged close to six yards per attempt. Robinson can catch the ball out of the backfield, too, as he posted a combined 45 catches for 609 yards and six scores as a receiver.
Robinson is the complete backfield package, as he thrives as a runner, receiver and in pass protection. He would even line up in the slot with the Longhorns, showing that he can run routes and be utilized in multiple roles. Overall, most NFL scouts believe he is the best running back to come out of college since Saquon Barkley.
Bijan Robinson Fantasy Football Ranking and Analysis
Fantasy Football Rookie Dynasty Ranking: Running Back No. 1
Fantasy Football Redraft Ranking: Running Back No. 12
Now in Atlanta, he'll instantly pass Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier en route to the top spot on the depth chart and become the team's three-down back. You don't draft a running back in the top 10 in this day and age to put him in a committee! I'd project Robinson as a low-end RB1 in fantasy and a top-24 overall pick in redrafts.
In dynasty formats, Robinson will be the consensus top player selected.
The collateral damage is of course, Patterson and Allgeier. The latter would have been a sleeper or breakout candidate, but he's now more of a late round RB4/RB5 and handcuff for Robinson. Atlanta could always move Patterson back to wide receiver, which is his original position, but he'll be no more than a late-rounder as a back.
