Bijan Robinson 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Bijan Robinson is going to be this year’s version of Saquon Barkley. The problem is how high are you willing to justify taking a running back? I think those know my stance on it when it comes to Robinson at this point. However, we still need to break down the Texas product’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the NFL. Let’s take a look at the Bijan Robinson 2023 NFL Draft Profile!
Robinson is everything you look for in a running back coming out of the draft. Monster recruit. By monster I mean a top 15 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle and number one rated running back. 5-foot-11, 215 combined with an awesome performance at the combine. A 4.46 40 is a crazy good time for him. 37-inch vert isn’t exactly normal as a running back either. He’s the biggest freak show we have at the position this year.
The only real weakness I have for Robinson is the fact that you don’t see that dawg mentality enough. There are times he’s indecisive when making cuts. It’s not really a lack of talent. There are just times you feel like he has a shot to break a big one and makes the wrong decision. There are other times you feel he could be a bit nastier finishing runs. The game against Bama was a good example of that. His offensive line was at a disadvantage. No question about that. Still, Robinson tried to do too much and never had a real impact on the game.
Otherwise, Robinson should be considered the cream of the crop of this group. He’s a true three down back that can catch much better than he probably gets credit for. Not sure he’s a miracle worker in the passing game but he can more than hold his own. 2022 was his best receiving season with 19 receptions for 314 yards and two scores. Robinson has eight receiving touchdowns during his three year career.
Robinson is a bowling ball of hell when he really gets going. When Robinson wants to be physical, he can do it. Feet are really quick and way quicker than they should be for his size. Really put together physically. Really elusive in the open field and at his best it looks like Derrick Henry that was somehow faster. The production is all there. Robinson averaged 8.2 yards per carry as a freshman and just compiled 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022.
He’s not an A level pass protector but probably can be eventually. Right now he’s really good at chipping away at guys but maybe not necessarily an A at standing there and taking on the rush. Either way, he does more than enough to where you’re not really worried about it.
I think the thing that really stands out with Robinson is his ability to stiff arm defenders. It’s a nasty stiff arm. There are tricks in the arsenal here with Robinson. He’s got a pretty spin move too. The movement skills make you feel confident that at worst case scenario you’re going to get a high end starter at the position. The floor is too high for that not to be the case.
I really like Bijan Robinson but how high is too high? First round is off the table for me but anywhere in round two is a place I’m willing to strike full well knowing he’s probably off the board by that time. The shelf life on running backs is just too short and if everything isn’t in place on my end, what’s the point in pulling the trigger in round one?
