ESPN’s Robert Griffin III Makes Surprising Pick for Best Player in 2023 NFL Draft

After a prolific collegiate career, many NFL observers believe former Texas Longhorns standout Bijan Robinson is the best running back in this year’s NFL draft. Oddsmakers are in agreement with that sentiment, installing Robinson as the favorite to be the first running back off the board.

There appears to be little doubt that the Doak Walker Award winner will be selected in the first round. The only question is just how long he will have to wait to hear his name called by commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday night.

On Tuesday, ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III made a bold statement about the best player in this year’s draft.

“That’s a Snapple cap fact right there” exclaimed Griffin. “Bijan Robinson does everything from the running back position. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, run inside and outside. He had 183 broken tackles the last two years in college football, the next closest guy had 123. Bijan Robinson is the real deal Holyfield.”

In three seasons at Texas, Robinson recorded 3,410 rushing yards, 805 receiving yards and 41 total touchdowns. His pass-catching prowess, averaging 13.4 yards per reception, is expected to translate favorably to the NFL level.

The explosive offensive talent made waves Tuesday following his appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live. After analyst Dan Orlovsky asked Robinson which NFL quarterback he most would like to play with, excluding Patrick Mahomes, he responded, “Jalen Hurts.”

Philadelphia could make that desire a reality, as the Eagles currently hold the No. 10 and No. 31 picks in the first round.