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The New England Patriots could be in line for a running back, with the NFL draft set to start on Thursday. 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Scott Zolak indicated that he’s heard rumblings of the Patriots drafting Texas running back Bijan Robinson.
Zolak talked about this on Monday’s episode of the “Zolak & Bertrand Show” on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Robinson was an explosive running back for Texas in his collegiate career, carrying the ball 258 times for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. It was his second season in a row with over 100 yards on the ground.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic previously reported the Patriots were interested in taking a blue-chip running back in the draft. Now, Zolak had more information to add to that, as transcribed by 98.5 The Sports Hub.
“He’s a special player, special third down back. Something you don’t have right now,” said Zolak. “A playmaker. I don’t know a lot about him. I don’t watch a lot of Texas football, but you hear some rumblings here and there. He’s in a tough conference. He catches the ball very well coming out of the backfield.
“He can get to the edge. He’s smart. He is going to blitz pick up. Tough runner. He can run between tackles, He’s Kevin Faulk. He’s James White with speed but better. Our comparisons, we’re talking about like Patriots Hall of Famer type guys.”
Robinson would not be the biggest need for New England, but he would give them an explosive playmaker that could help with more depth in the backfield. The Patriots would have to take him relatively early in the draft, making him a bit of a risk.