ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked multiple NFL personnel evaluators and decision-makers for their top-ten running backs going into 2024, and, despite a disappointing 2023, Bijan Robinson still cracked the list, grabbing the sixth spot on the list.
Robinson didn't quite validate the hype as a rookie. His 976 rushing yards in 2023, which tied for 15th in the league, fell short of projections for the No. 8 pick in a run-heavy offense.
To be sure, Robinson's usage -- despite his obvious ability to shake defenders -- was curious at times. Robinson got more than 15 carries in four of 17 games.
"The production is not all him -- he's a top-five talent at the position right now," an NFL personnel evaluator said.
That's why the Year 2 expectations are still massive.
Robinson led the league with 5.2 yards per carry against boxes of seven or more defenders. His 35 explosive plays ranked third for running backs.
"If he gets to the second or third level, he's incredibly hard to tackle," an NFL offensive coach said. "Deceptive speed once he gets loose. He reminds me of LeSean McCoy. Very elusive. Really hard to touch him."
The possibilities were endless when the Atlanta Falcons selected Bijan Robinson eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson could line up anywhere in an offense, from his traditional running back spot in the backfield to out wide against a defensive back. Bijan can do it all. One of the possibilities Falcons fans didn’t account for was the putrid quarterback play and lack of offensive cohesion, resulting in the attrition of what was a top-five running game in 2022. Despite that, Robinson still broke the record for most scrimmage yards by a Falcons rookie, gaining 1463 total yards.
With a new regime and a new, healthier environment on offense, the sky is the limit for Robinson and Atlanta’s offense.