NFL Draft Profile: Atlanta Falcons Select Texas RB Bijan Robinson
#5
Pos: RB
Ht: 5110
Wt: 215
Hand: 0968
Arm: 3118
Wing: 7468
40: 4.46
DOB:1/30/2002
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: Salpointe
Eligibility: 2023
Bijan Robinson
Texas Longhorns
One-Liner:
While he is a raw pass protector and must refine his open-field vision to better work to space, Bijan Robinson is an elite running back prospect without any athletic limitations. His size, agility, lateral and linear burst, balance, power, and well-rounded pass-catching are all special.
Evaluation:
In recent years, the running back position has seen a sharp decrease in its perceived value. While a talented athlete out of the backfield undoubtedly benefits the offense, NFL teams have been able to scheme success for its runners or otherwise threaten defenses with committee systems. That said, well-rounded backs like Texas’s Bijan Robinson are legitimate difference-makers in the league. Listed at an excellent 6000 and 221 pounds on the Longhorns’ roster, the Arizona native can immediately serve as a primary back in the NFL. Robinson boasts stellar linear and lateral burst with angle-beating long speed. He precedes sudden, sharp cuts with salesmanship to force defensive backs into awkward positions. He can and does string cuts together. Further, he has very flexible hips, knees, and ankles that aid his change of direction. His impressive balance is evident through his cuts and through contact. What’s more, Robinson has the power and leg drive to run through tackles and even carry defenders with him. He drops his pad level in anticipation of contact and runs with a natural forward lean that offers increased power and momentum while simultaneously reducing the surface area that opponents can target. Additionally, Robinson is an instinctive runner who knows how to take advantage of poor angles and avoid big hits. He is a patient back who is rarely tackled for loss. Robinson is also a high-level route runner with reliable hands; he can work from the backfield, the slot, and out wide. All that said, the Longhorns’ star leaves too much on the field as a runner. His commitment to picking up yards no matter what leads him to play conservatively and, at times, miss open space. He cannot always play out of structure and does not know when to bounce his runs. Robinson is also an inconsistent blocker. His feet stagnate into and through contact, he leads with his shoulder, and he gets off balance. He sometimes fails to pick up blitzers in pass protection. Finally, his wear and tear as Texas’ primary offensive weapon for what will be three straight years may concern teams. All in all, Bijan Robinson is an elite offensive weapon that offers low-risk, high-reward potential in the NFL. If he can improve as a blocker and stay healthy, he can be a truly special back in the league.
Grade:
1st Round
Medical:
Suffered a dislocated elbow in mid-November of 2021, ending his season prematurely.
Quotes:
“I learned a lot these first two years being a college football player. I know that God gave me a gift, but I learned how to read certain defenses, watch film, grow mentally. At Texas, (running backs coach Stan Drayton) has been a huge help for me, and he’s helped out so many guys like Ezekiel Elliott and other big names in the NFL. (Drayton) has taught me so much about being a better leader. You know me, I lead by example and I don’t say much, but my voice will be a huge deal for me going into this season. I’m gonna let the guys hear me instead of just watch, and they can get energy off that. I want to use my voice for certain situations and just be more vocal around the whole team.”
Latest News:
12/04/21 – Texas running back Bijan Robinson has become an in-demand spokesperson this year. Thanks to NIL, Robinson has earned endorsement deals with Raising Cane's, Pinkerton's Barbecue and the Athletic Brewing Company. He's modeled the new men's collection produced by Kendra Scott. It was recently announced that he'll be a brand ambassador for DAZN, a boxing streaming service. But in addition to all that, Robinson is also a spokesperson for the UT football team. Robinson recently made an appearance on an Instagram Live broadcast that was hosted by UT football recruit Derrick Brown. Malik Agbo, a four-star offensive lineman with a Texas offer, also was on the call at the time.
Background:
Bijan Robinson, a two time Ed Doherty Award winner during his school days as the top high school football player, is a player the Longhorns love and have loved from the very beginning. His freshman year, he was on the honorable mention list for the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and the accolades improved in 2021 where he was named First Team All Big 12 and also Honorable Mention as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Robinson had broken several records in his home state of Arizona with one being the first back ever to run for two thousand yards in three straight seasons. With those awards in high school and at Texas, Robinson is embarking on a strong year for the Longhorns in 2022.Bijan Robinson, a two time Ed Doherty Award winner during his school days as the top high school football player, is a player the Longhorns love and have loved from the very beginning. His freshman year, he was on the honorable mention list for the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and the accolades improved in 2021 where he was named First Team All Big 12 and also Honorable Mention as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Robinson had broken several records in his home state of Arizona with one being the first back ever to run for two thousand yards in three straight seasons. With those awards in high school and at Texas, Robinson is embarking on a strong year for the Longhorns in 2022.
Robinson, who was a five-star recruit when he was coming out of high school; the first player in Arizona high school football history to twice win the Ed Doherty Award as the state’s top player; first running back in state history to top 2,000 yards in three-straight. he partnered with several companies such as DAZN, Raising Cane’s, C4 energy drink and Athletic Brewing.
Comes from an athletic family. His grandfather, Cleo, was an all-state linebacker and track standout as a high schooler in Arizona and went on to star in track & field at Northern Arizona.. His great uncle, Cleo's brother, Paul, lettered one year at Arizona before starring as a running back in the NFL. A third-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968, he rushed for 1,023 yards as a rookie and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his six-year NFL career (Bengals, 1968-72; Houston Oilers, 1972-73).
