Bijan Robinson assesses his NFL Combine performance, looks toward draft

It was a big day for former Texas running back Bijan Robinson at the NFL Combine on Sunday. Already a projected first-round pick, Robinson lived up to the hype.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back finished among the top 6 at his position in the 40-yard dash (4.46 seconds), 10-yard split (1.52 seconds), vertical jump (37 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, four inches). Speaking after the combine with NFL Network’s Stacy Dales, Robinson expressed pride in his performance.

“I thought it was a pretty good day,” he said. “It’s just a blessing to be out here with all these great guys and letting my skills be showcased from agility drills to 40 to position drills. It was a fun day.”

Robinson’s 40 time ranked sixth among running backs, and he described it as “a good set.” He also showed off his ball skills while catching passes. In three seasons at Texas, Robinson recorded 60 catches for 805 yards and eight touchdowns, and that’s something he hopes carries over to the NFL.

“It’s important for me to be able to catch the ball as well,” he said.

Robinson ended his college career with 3,410 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns, including back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his final two years. He ranks as the best running back in the 2023 NFL Draft class according to ESPN. A recent mock draft from Mel Kiper Jr. had him going as the 27th overall pick to the Buffalo Bills, where he would join a high-octane offense led by quarterback Josh Allen.

Robinson admitted he would like to be a top 10 pick, but said ultimately he’ll just be happy to realize his dream of playing in the NFL no matter where he goes.

“My faith is so big, so wherever God has me,” he said. “He’ll put me in the right direction and on the right team. But if it’s a blessing to go in that top 10 range and be able to break a point for running backs coming up.”

Following his performance at the NFL Combine, Bijan Robinson will be back in Austin for Texas’ Pro Day on Thursday. However, he said he does not intend to participate but merely be there in support of his former teammates as well as network with NFL coaches.

After that, he’ll continue training over the next few weeks before hoping to hear his name called when the NFL Draft begins on April 27.