Bijan Robinson fitting in 'exactly' as Atlanta Falcons expected
Bijan Robinson has been as advertised for the Atlanta Falcons despite not taking a single snap in the NFL.
The former Texas running back, whom Atlanta selected eighth overall in April’s NFL Draft, has reportedly shown early on that he’s no one-trick pony. Per Michael Rothstein of ESPN, Robinson lined up everywhere in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills in the non-padded, non-contact workouts during the Falcons’ offseason program.
“Robinson has been exactly as Atlanta anticipated,” Rothstein wrote Monday. “The Falcons have shown they’ll use him as a running back and a receiver, all over the formation. Were there questions from pundits about how the Falcons used this pick? Yes. When [Falcons head] coach Arthur Smith was asked whether the traits they saw in Robinson have translated to the NFL, he made his answer very clear: ‘We do not have buyer’s remorse, if that’s what you’re asking.'”
Robinson was viewed as the most talented offensive player in the Draft following three highly-productive seasons with the Longhorns. He rushed for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns on 6.3 yards per carry. Robinson added 60 receptions for 805 yards and eight scores.
Speaking with the media during rookie minicamp last month, Robinson said he was excited to be used all over the field in Atlanta’s offense.
“He [Smith] uses me everywhere, from receiver to running back,” Robinson said. “He lets me do my abilities and skill set the right way. Whether it’s catching the ball, running routes, obviously running the football, blocking and doing it all.”
Falcons veteran blown away by Bijan Robinson during minicamp
Fellow running back Cordarrelle Patterson, entering his 11th season in the NFL and third with the Falcons, has been impressed by Robinson thus far.
“He’s just so humble and rooted in his faith,” Patterson said last week. “He has come in and he’s not nervous. He has adapted well and has learned the playbook so quick. As y’all have seen, he’s out there everywhere. There’s not one spot he can’t play on this field. I’m excited to see that man do what he’s supposed to do.”