Bijan Robinson elevated to No. 1 running back on Falcons depth chart

It’s been written since April, but the Atlanta Falcons have made it official regarding Bijan Robinson.

The Falcons made their point earlier in the summer, listing the former Texas Longhorns running back as their No. 3 ball-carrier on their initial depth chart. However, with the season approaching this weekend, Atlanta has adjusted things, and Robinson has taken his rightful place atop the list.

“NFL teams are quick to note that the depth charts they issue throughout the preseason are unofficial and the ones the Falcons put out the last few weeks made that point clear,” wrote Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “Rookie running back Bijan Robinson was listed as the team’s third-string running back despite being the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft and the subject of much praise from those around the team over the course of the summer.

“It’s now time for the regular season to begin and the Falcons have adjusted the chart to better reflect Robinson’s actual role on the team. Robinson is listed as the starter in the backfield with Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson behind him in the pecking order.”

Alas, it was evident the Falcons had no plans of Robinson being their third back, as you don’t draft a running back in the top ten and let them sit behind two veterans. This isn’t the quarterback position.

Bijan Robinson figures to be an electrifying player in the NFL for years to come. When he hits the field, all eyes will be on the Falcons’ newest toy on offense.

NFL.com projects Bijan Robinson’s rookie stats

Moreover, NFL.com has gamed out some of the best- and worst-case scenarios for some of the top rookies from the 2023 NFL Draft, with draft analyst Chad Reuter outlining different outcomes. The outlook on former Texas running back Bijan Robinson is exceedingly positive.

What’s the best case for Robinson in 2023? “Robinson is the centerpiece of the offense and takes pressure off second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder,” Reuter wrote. “He earns the majority of carries behind a good offensive line and gets a few shots each game as a receiver out of the backfield, using his vision and agility in the open field.”

Robinson flashed his versatility as a pass-catcher while at Texas, racking up 60 career catches for 805 yards and eight touchdowns across three seasons of action. That kind of ability will get him a definite look as a three-down back in the NFL, which is one of the reasons the Falcons drafted Robinson up at No. 8 overall.

Based on Reuter’s projected stats for Robinson as a rookie, it’s safe to say he believes Robinson will come out toward the positive end of the projections.

Reuter has Bijan Robinson accounting for 225 carries for 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also recording 50 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns. That would be quite the rookie season and would presumably put Robinson in the running for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.