Bijan Robinson listed as third-string running back on Falcons' depth chart

The Atlanta Falcons released their first unofficial depth chart Tuesday, and to the surprise of many, Bijan Robinson wasn’t listed as RB1 — or RB2 for that matter.

Robinson, the eighth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, was listed as RB3 behind Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier. The key word, however, is unofficial, which means it’s still very likely that when the Falcons trot onto the field in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, it will be Robinson lined up behind or next to quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Also of note, since head coach Arthur Smith’s arrival in 2021, rookies have routinely sat near the back of the depth chart. Yes, that includes 2021 fourth overall pick Kyle Pitts and 2022 eighth overall pick Drake London.

Robinson has certainly earned the seal of approval early on from general manager Terry Fontenot.

“He’s a true professional already, just the way he handles himself,” Fontenot said this past week, via the team’s website. “We put a lot on these rookies’ plates — a lot on all these players’ plates. But the rookies, it’s a transition. … Bijan is doing a lot of different things for us. It’s taxing, but he’s handled everything so well and he is just even and consistent. He always has that $1 million smile on his face. We appreciate Bijan, and maturity is a good word to describe him.”

Bijan Robinson facing high expectations during rookie season

Robinson was viewed as the most talented offensive player in the Draft following three highly-productive seasons at Texas. 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 last month, Robinson said he wants to focus on becoming an all-around back for the Falcons.

“For me, I’m a player that loves to give an opportunity to my offense, whether it’s me lining up out wide, lining up in the slot, or trying to give the offense another opportunity to maximize ourselves,” Robinson said. “I think me just learning so many things, especially now, I think it can help you as a running back, but it can help you as an all-around player, not being one-dimensional but being able to do so many things and create more opportunities for yourself.”