The Atlanta Falcons pulled the trigger on running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick on Thursday night. The Texas ball-carrier will join a loaded backfield that features Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Allgeier, a fifth-round pick by the team in 2022, was the first Falcons running back to go over 1,000 rushing yards since 2016. The team will likely split carries between the three backs this season.
While many scouts considered Robinson the best player available, the Falcons were still given just an “average” grade from Pro Football Focus after Day 1. For comparison, Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who went the very next pick to the Eagles, earned an “elite” grade.
Here’s what PFF had to say about Atlanta’s selection of Robinson:
It’s important to remember draft grades are almost entirely useless, but there’s a reason fans flock to them following any draft. With that being said, Robinson is set up to have a very nice career as he can be eased into the rotation early on.
The core of Atlanta’s offensive line is under contract for the next few seasons, which bodes well for all three backs. The Falcons ground game should go to another level with Robinson in the fold, but time will tell if it was the right call.
