Bijan Robinson sends message to Atlanta fanbase after being drafted No. 8 overall by Falcons

Bijan Robinson is the newest face of the Atlanta Falcons backfield after being drafted No. 8 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Many were skeptical a running back would be taken in the top 10, but there was no question who the top running back talent in this year’s cycle was. After shaking Roger Goodell’s hand on stage in Kansas City, the former Texas star tried to explain the emotions he felt at that moment.

“This is just a big moment for me, for my family, and just for everybody that’s been with me,” Robinson said. “I appreciate the Falcons for picking me and I promise I won’t let them down. God is so good, and I can’t wait.”

Rushing for over 2,500 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns for the Longhorns over the past two seasons make him the most productive back in all of college football over that span. Add in over 600 more receiving yards and the Falcons are getting the most versatile running back since Christian McCaffrey.

“Y’all can expect everything [out of me],” Robinson said about what he brings to Atlanta. “I can do it all on the field, for the city, for myself trying to do great things for the whole city of Atlanta, but I appreciate you guys and I can’t wait to get there and have a good time. It’s such a blessing to be with y’all.”

Can Bijan Robinson reach level of Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey?

SPN’s resident draft expert Todd McShay raved about Robinson’s physicality during ESPN’s pre-draft news conference. 

“With Robinson, I think he’s special. I see a lot of Saquon [Barkley] in him — I’ve even gone on record as saying he may be a little more complete,” McShay said. “He doesn’t quite have the 40 [yard dash] time or is as big as Saquon was, but I think Bijan is a bit more physical and consistentely physical in terms of his run-style.

“He had 91 forced missed tackles this year. The next closest was Frank Gore Jr. with 77, so he’s a guy at 215-pounds that will stiff arm you, utilize his size and contact balance but also has that sharp cutting ability and body control that we rarely see in a running back, to make guys miss.”

Two of the most impressive aspects of Robinson’s game, according to McShay, is that he finished the season with 1,580 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground behind three true freshman linemen. McShay also raved about the receiving aspect of Robinson’s game, catching 45 passes for 609 yards and six touchdowns over the past two seasons.

McShay recalled conversations he had with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian throughout the 2022 season, noting that the Longhorns were actually limiting Robinson’s receiving production because of the heavy load he was already carring in the run game. 

Those receiving numbers have drawn comparisons toward San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. He does it all for the 49ers’ offense and is the most lethal dual-threat running back in all of football. Some NFL scouts McShay has spoken with throughout the pre-draft process believe Robinson can be put out in the slot and be a regular fixture in the passing game thanks to his natural ability to catch the football.