Mel Kiper Jr. still mocks RB to Bills after recent backfield addition
Even with the Buffalo Bills signing a running back, Mel Kiper Jr. is staying on the RB train for the team ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
Kiper released his latest 2023 NFL draft mock the day after Buffalo signed running back Damien Harris to a one-year deal. Even so, that move did not sway Kiper.
In his newest mock, Kiper still sends Texas running back Bijan Robinson to Buffalo with the No. 27 selection in Round 1.
Here’s how the ESPN analyst breaks down the pick:
I keep coming back to Robinson being perfect for this Bills offense. He could be a security blanket for Josh Allen in the pass game, and he can rip off chunk plays as a ball carrier. He breaks a ton of tackles and has tremendous vision. He’s the most complete back in this class. As I’ve written before, Robinson is a top-10 prospect on my board, but his positional value means he’s going to drop into the 20s. I know Buffalo has James Cook and just added Damien Harris on a one-year deal, but Robinson is on another level. This is a team that can afford to target a luxury position in Round 1.
There are two sides to the discussion here when it comes to Robinson. Undoubtedly talented, the Bills could and should still have interest in him–Buffalo did meet with Robinson at the 2023 combine as well.
It is pretty difficult to see a three-headed backfield for Buffalo with Robinson, though. Harris and Cook, at least on paper, appear to be the type of combo the Bills and many NFL teams would covet in their backfield.
Then again, taking Robinson would go right along with the plan general manager Brandon Beane often likes to take.
Select a need at the draft? Not in his ideal world. Just the best player on the board.
There is a realistic chance that could be Robinson if he falls to Buffalo’s selection, but that’s also a big “if.” While Kiper has Robinson as the No. 1 running back taken by the Bills, other draft analysts have him already gone by No. 27.
Robinson, a six-foot back, has a big frame at 220 pounds. The Draft Network raves about his build and athleticism. But he has dealt with injury. Last season he rushed for 6.1 yards per carry and had 20 total touchdowns in 12 games played.
