Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Falls Short of Offensive Rookie of the Year
The Atlanta Falcons took a philosophical stand with the eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, prioritizing the running back position and banking that an elite talent would break the constraints his role may provide.
Despite the struggles Atlanta faced, and Bijan Robinson’s controversial (lack of) usage, the rookie running back largely delivered on his promise.
He would finish the season as a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year. On Friday, the winner of the awards was announced during the NFL Honors ceremony.
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As expected, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took home the hardware. He beat out Robinson, along with Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Detroit Lions star running back Jahymr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta.
Robinson had a strong season, but frankly had one of the least compelling cases of any finalist. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons a quarterback has ever had, leading the league in both yards per game and touchdown/interception ratio. Nacua set the rookie record for receiving yards and receptions. LaPorta established himself as one of the elite at his position.
There’s even an argument for Gibbs being the better rookie running back. Despite having about 200 fewer total yards, Gibbs averaged the same amount of yards per touch (5.4) and scored three more times. Of course, only Robinson’s Falcons didn’t make the playoffs.
Robinson finished his rookie season with 976 rushing yards on 214 attempts, scoring four times. He would add 58 receptions for 487 yards and four scores through the air.
Falling short of being named the best offensive rookie shouldn’t take away from the strong season he had and what the future holds. He played well enough to cement himself as a cornerstone, and with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in the fold, better days are likely ahead.
Expect the training wheels to be taken off of Robinson’s usage as he soaks up a higher share of Atlanta’s carries in 2024
