Early in Falcons training camp, it’s becoming clear what Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith saw in Bijan Robinson to take him 8th overall in an era that’s moving away from running backs.
His personality shines every time he does an interview. The Texas product is a god fearing man that might be a better human than he is a player. There are countless stories of his golden aura on display.
However, at the end of the day, it’s about Bijan Robinson the football player to the Falcons, and boy is he a football player. The kid is an absolute specimen. He runs like someone who is sub-200 pounds despite weighing around 225 pounds, running with good leverage through contact while possessing elite lateral agility, rarely losing momentum when he changes directions. Robinson is one of the best pure runners I have ever seen.
And even still, that doesn’t tell the entire story because his value in the passing game cannot be understated. He runs routes and has better hands than some receivers, which is why everyone around Flowery Branch says it’s better to describe him as an offensive weapon than a running back.
It’s been on full display during Atlanta’s training camp. He’s consistently embarrassed the defense’s starting linebackers — Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen.
Videos courtesy Miles Garrett of Fox5 and Kevin Knight of the Falcoholic
https://twitter.com/MilesGarrettTV/status/1684933285955178496?s=20
#Falcons rookie sensation Bijan Robinson vs LB Kaden Elliss. Bijan with the filthy footwork once again pic.twitter.com/NA2BEHhsAH
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) July 31, 2023
Most of the time, Robinson will draw linebackers or safeties in coverage, which seems to favor the Falcons. However, if defenses choose to put a corner on him because they’re tired of getting beat… well, Robinson is up for the task. Here he is beating Mike Hughes, who is projected to be the Falcons starting nickel, via Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated.
Bijan Robinson vs Mike Hughes. Yes, he can still make catches against CBs. Also, good coverage here from Hughes. pic.twitter.com/2HE0AsUtNm
— Daniel Flick (@DFlickDraft) August 2, 2023
A lot of Falcons fans probably didn’t watch many Texas games because they reside in SEC country, so they don’t know what he did as a Longhorn. Let me make you aware.
He is a big play waiting to happen, responsible for 45 plays of 20+ yard gains in his collegiate career, including eight carries of 50+ yards. More impressively, 14 of those 45 explosive plays were through the air.
Robinson can run the entire running back route tree but also effectively work out of the slot. Moreover, he isn’t satisfied with his current ability. He was seen refining that receiving ability with one of the best in the business — Ja’Marr Chase — this offseason while also studying Davante Adams’ release package off the line of scrimmage.
Expect Arthur Smith’s offense to use Bijan Robinson in a variety of ways — out of the backfield, in the slot, in motion, on the boundary, etc. Falcons fans can fully expect him to be the next face of the franchise and a star in this league.
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Photographer: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
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