Falcons Film Review: Why Bijan Robinson Can Thrive as a Slot WR
When the Atlanta Falcons selected Texas star Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, there were few concerns about player value - but plenty of talk about whether a running back is deserving of such a high selection.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot quickly changed the picture, noting that Robinson is "more than a running back" and will be used in a variety of roles.
One such spot that's been discussed for Robinson is slot receiver - but it's something he didn't spend a ton of time doing at Texas this past season, playing 32 snaps split out as a receiver with only 12 in the slot.
The 5-11, 215-pound Robinson comes with a strong record of production as a pass catcher, as he departed Austin ranked No. 3 in receiving yards by a running back with 805.
But is Robinson good enough as a receiver to play slot in the NFL? His film tells a clear story ...
Exhibit A: Louisiana-Lafayette at Texas, 2021
Robinson's glide steps during the route stem leading into the top of the route helps push the nickel corner backwards, and his outside jab step at the very top forces the nickel to turn his hips outside, giving Robinson inside leverage to win over the middle.
The route is nuanced and shows a strong understanding in regard to manipulating defenders and not giving away concepts, which is a step above most collegiate running backs.
Beyond the actual route and separation, Robinson shows natural hands and secured the pass away from his frame. During the catch process, he loses no momentum and uses his burst and open-field instincts to generate yards after catch and spring a big play.
This was the first game of Robinson's sophomore year. He played slot during 7-on-7s in high school and continued to show he could do it at Texas ... which was only put on further display over the ensuing two seasons.
Exhibit B: Alabama at Texas, 2022
It's a Cover 3 look from Alabama, and Texas uses star tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders to stretch the seam and occupy both the centerfield safety (Falcons seventh-round pick DeMarcco Hellams) and corner, leaving room for Robinson to fill behind the dropping outside linebacker assigned to cover the flat.
Also present is Robinson drifting further outside within his route stem to create a friendlier passing window, and tremendous body control to seamlessly adjust to the underthrown pass.
Robinson's ball skills, by all accounts, aren't normal. He's much more of a legitimate receiver than simply a running back being split out.
But beyond the result, as opposed to working from the slot, Robinson starts from the backfield here - picture the concept with Kyle Pitts in Sanders' split, and Smith's vision becomes clear.
Exhibit C: Iowa State at Texas, 2022
Here's Robinson working a post from the slot - again, simply not a typical route concept from that alignment for a college running back. There's clear trust and confidence from Texas in Robinson's ability as a receiver, and, once more, it's easy to see why Smith feels the 21-year-old can win on intermediate routes.
Robinson sells his in-break with an outside jab and head fake at the top of his route - note how early the defensive back turns his hips outside and grants inside leverage. It's such a sudden, crisp and snappy break to create space, too - leading into a special finish.
Instantly, the leaping, away-from-frame reception stands out - but how about holding onto the ball through a big hit at the end? Concentration and hand strength to survive contact is highly valued in receivers by league evaluators ... so, Robinson possessing the traits as a running back speaks more to the uniqueness of his skill set.
These are simply three clips designed to provide a glimpse of Robinson's pass catching prowess and offer insight as to why Smith and Fontenot feel the way they do - but there's so much more on Robinson's tape that endorses the same idea.
Only time will tell how successful Robinson proves to be as a receiver, but it's evident the Falcons believe he has plenty of potential to impact the game in multiple ways ... and the film tells exactly why.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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