Draft grades for Falcons on Bijan Robinson pick range from 'too good' to 'way too high'
Analysts were quick to drop their reaction to NFL Draft picks during the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night, with the Atlanta Falcons' selection of Bijan Robinson eighth overall drawing praise and critique.
The wide range in response was largely tied to Robinson's versatility on the field but also to the number of defensive players still being available at the stage in the draft.
Here's a cross-section of the grades given to the Falcons:
USA Today: Bijan Robinson's talent 'too good to pass up'
Grade: A
Saying Robinson's talent was "too good to pass up," USA Today gave the Falcons high marks for the selection of Robinson.
"Pairing Robinson with tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London is going to be fun for an ascending offense."
Video reaction: Watch Bijan Robinson's reaction after getting off phone with Atlanta Falcons at NFL Draft
USA Today Touchdownwire: Falcons' Tyler Allgeier makes Robinson pick 'odd'
Grade: B-
On USA Today's Touchdownwire, Doug Farrar called Robinson "the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson" but said the team had other needs.
He also noted the team has running back Tyler Allgeier on their team, making the pick "odd in this particular situation."
The Athletic: Atlanta Falcons should have picked defensive players
Grade: D+
Calling it an "exciting pick," The Athletic's Scott Dochterman did compare Robinson to Edgerrin James but noted that due to the Falcons' struggles on defense last season, there were "multiple defenders" still available for the team to consider instead.
Sports Illustrated: 'This value is horrible'
Grade: D+
Like Dochterman, Sports Illustrated's John Shipley was scratching his head based on the Falcons' gaps on defense.
"Bijan Robinson rules ..., but this value is horrible," Shipley wrote.
CBS Sports: 'Backs don't decide Super Bowls'
Grade: D
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco noted Bijan is a good player but said he didn't like the pick due to the position value.
"This is way too high for a back, even if he's a really good player. Backs don't decide Super Bowls," Prisco wrote.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Falcons draft grades for Bijan Robinson pick range from high to low
