The Atlanta Falcons made a big move in the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Bijan Robinson from the University of Texas, Austin. Robinson was the first running back selected and the eighth overall pick in the draft, according to Fox News (https://www.foxnews.com/sports/2023-nfl-draft-falcons-take-consensus-top-running-back-bijan-robinson-off-board-at-no-8). The Falcons had the third-best run offense in the league last year, and this move could make them even better.
Robinson was one of the most highly regarded running backs in the nation, winning the Doak Walker Award in 2022, according to KXAN (https://www.kxan.com/sports-general/atlanta-falcons-select-texas-rb-bijan-robinson-with-no-8-pick-in-2023-nfl-draft/). He rushed for 1,945 yards and 20 touchdowns in his junior year in college, according to Sports Illustrated (https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/bijan-robinson-drafted-atlanta-falcons-unanimous-all-american-texas-longhorns). That made him a unanimous All-American selection that year, marking him as one of the best of the best in the college football world.
The Falcons’ decision to select Robinson was not without controversy, however. According to CBS Sports (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-falcons-trade-up-for-matt-corral-jimmy-garoppolo-goes-no-2-overall-as-trade-market-heats-up/), some believed that Atlanta might pass on Robinson and select a different player in the top 10. Nonetheless, the Falcons chose Robinson, and their fans appear to be happy with the decision. Falcons Wire (https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/28/atlanta-falcons-bijan-robinson-fan-poll-grade-the-pick-2023-nfl-draft/) conducted a poll asking fans to grade the pick, and most respondents gave the Falcons an A or B grade.
Beyond his football skills, Robinson has an interesting backstory that includes his admiration for Eagles star LeSean McCoy, according to Bolts From The Blue (https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2023/4/26/22402608/chargers-2023-nfl-draft-bijan-robinson-meeting-lesean-mccoy-idolized). He grew up in Arizona and started playing football at a young age, according to his profile on the University of Texas website (https://texassports.com/sports/football/roster/bijan-robinson/10775). He has also been involved in community service activities in his hometown, including volunteering at a local food bank, according to the same profile.
Robinson’s future is now bright as he transitions to the NFL, with the Falcons hoping that he can help take their running game to even greater heights.
