CBS Sports is ‘selling’ Bijan Robinson to Falcons rumors

Who will the Falcons take in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft on Thursday night? Texas running back Bijan Robinson has become the popular projection, but until someone’s name is called when Atlanta is on the clock at pick No. 8, it’s all speculation.

Would Robinson make the Falcons a better team? Undoubtedly, but drafting a running back in the top 10 is hard to justify in today’s NFL. Not to mention, Atlanta drafted a 1,000-yard back in the fifth round last year.

A new feature from CBS Sports breaks down each draft rumor and tells fans whether to buy or sell. Here’s what they had to say about Robinson.

CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani on Robinson's draft stock

Robinson is CBS Sports’ No. 5 prospect in this class, but he plays the position the league doesn’t seem to value anymore. The Texas product avoided a whopping 113 tackles last season. That’s the most tackles avoided by any FBS player over the past five years! When it comes to him as a prospect, it’s also thought he may be more of a dual-threat weapon at the next level. Bottom line, Robinson has so much potential that he’s going to be a first-round pick.

Now, how high he will go on Thursday night remains to be seen. Some believe the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall are a potential landing spot, and the Philadelphia Eagles have been a popular mock destination as well. I say both pass on Robinson, as he falls out of the top 10.  – Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports

Measurements and Stats

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 215 lbs

Position: HB

Arm: 31 1/8″

Hand: 9 3/4″

Production Score: 99 (1st)

Athleticism: 85 (2nd)

Prospect Grade: 6.84 (year 1 starter)

	Rushing				Receiving				Scrimmage
Year	Att	Yards	Avg	TD	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD	Yards	Avg	TD
2020	86	703	8.2	4	15	196	13.1	2	899	8.9	6
2021	195	1127	5.8	11	26	295	11.3	4	1422	6.4	15
2022	258	1580	6.1	18	19	314	16.5	2	1894	6.8	20
Total	539	3410	6.3	33	60	805	13.4	8	4215	7.0	41

 

Robinson rumors

Many scouts and executives reportedly believe Bijan Robinson to the Falcons is looking “more and more” likely.

Several scouts reportedly “don’t see a way” Robinson makes it out of the Top-10 with the Falcons, Bears, and Eagles bottoming out the first 10 picks.

Robinson said in… pic.twitter.com/3U3Dln15TF

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 26, 2023

Robinson on meeting Falcons

“It was an awesome meeting so I can see where that’s headed at.” – Bijan Robinson on his #Falcons meeting pic.twitter.com/6edP2vwpk6

— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) April 25, 2023

Cordarrelle Patterson asks fans who they want the Falcons to draft

#Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson asked the fans who they want Atlanta to take in the 2023 NFL draft https://t.co/WIq1xGgGcx

— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) April 27, 2023