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Rapid thoughts on Texas RB Bijan Robinson to the Atlanta Falcons

Joey Hickey
·4 min read
35

Texas running back Bijan Robinson has found a new home in Atlanta. On Thursday, the Falcons drafted Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick.

While many projected the talented back to see his name called early, the move is still a surprising one given how many devalue the running back position. Even so, the Longhorns great became the first Texas offensive player since Vince Young to be drafted in the Top 10.

Let’s be clear about where we see Robinson among Texas greats. With all due respect to Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson and all the Longhorn greats to wear the burnt orange, I have never seen a more effortless Texas runner than Bijan at the position. He is the most uniquely gifted back in school history.

With the above thoughts in mind, here are a few takeaways from Atlanta’s move to draft Robinson.

Positional value concerns

Prevailing wisdom in the NFL is that running back is not a valuable position. Some assert you can plug about anybody into the position and achieve virtually the same results. Perhaps those analytics experts should try the above chart on for size. Robinson, and Roschon Johnson, proved far better than the average running back at making defenders miss. That’s just one facet of Bijan’s unique skill set.

Receiver who plays running back

If you view Bijan as simply a running back, then at best you haven’t spent enough time watching Robinson’s tape. The do-it-all athlete is perhaps as sure-handed a receiver as any of this year’s receiving prospects.

Always draft "dudes"

Bijan Robinson is that dude. You don’t pass on “that dude.” Texas relied on him to run on third and long or play the role of vertical threat in two-minute drills. When called upon to take over games, he delivered. He is perhaps the most can’t miss prospect in this draft.

Best available

Bijan Robinson was the best available player on the board when the Falcons made their pick. One could argue he was the best player available the moment former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young’s name was announced. In my estimation, he is the best player in the draft. Position value was the only legitimate concern.

The curse is broken

In a huge victory for Texas football perception, Bijan Robinson became the  first offensive player since former quarterback Vince Young to be drafted in the first round. That he was drafted No. 8 only punctuates the victory. Texas develops players now. As far as Longhorns drafted in the first round, there’s likely more where that came from.

Who's next?

There are plenty more first round draft candidates on the horizon for Texas, which should only strengthen the sustainability of recruiting under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy and linebacker Jaylan Ford are likely next up in the 2024 draft, with an outside chance that quarterback Quinn Ewers and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders could earn 2024 first-round draft status. Left tackle Kelvin Banks as a Top 10 pick in 2025 already feels like a certainty after a strong freshman campaign. At least one of the above players should see his name called in the first round of a future draft.

Story originally appeared on Longhorns Wire