Many have already penciled in Bijan Robinson as one of the best running backs in the NFL after the Falcons selected him with the No. 8 pick in April’s draft.
Robinson starred in college as a running back who can both block and receive, so that projection might come true. But the incoming rookie will have to prove his all-around skill set transfers to the NFL, and it won’t be easy in a league where many running backs delivered breakout seasons in 2022.
Teams are running more nowadays to counter the trendy defensive schemes limiting downfield plays, which could explain why two running backs were drafted in the top 12 this year (Robinson at No. 8 and Jahmyr Gibbs going to the Lions at No. 12).
