The Atlanta Falcons on Thursday chosen working again Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 total choose of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the very best chosen participant at that place since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.
NFL groups have been maligned over the previous couple of years for choosing working backs too excessive within the draft as a result of working backs usually have quick careers.
Robinson was taken eighth, and the Detroit Lions chosen working again Jahmyr Gibbs in a shock at No. 12.
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Atlanta Falcons first-round draft choose Bijan Robinson speaks at a information convention on the group’s coaching facility in Flowery Department, Ga., Friday, April 28, 2023. (AP Picture/Ben Grey)
“I do know the working again place within the high 10 is basically, actually uncommon. However, I imply, it is fairly cool to be a man that may share that and to indicate the youthful children in faculty soccer, the youthful working backs, that it is attainable. You simply acquired to do all the things the fitting means and simply be as efficient as you’ll be able to for his or her program,” Robinson mentioned Friday, by way of ESPN.
Robinson mentioned he believed he and Gibbs may begin a brand new pattern within the NFL.
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Texas working again Bijan Robinson poses after being chosen by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth total choose of the NFL draft Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas Metropolis, Mo. (AP Picture/Jeff Roberson)
“Our video games are form of related, and you’ll line us up wherever on the sphere and be only a mismatch as we’re on the working again place,” Robinson added. “I see that is the place the working again place is being valued now. That is the place I believe it may be headed.”
Robinson mentioned Thursday evening he has worth as a runner and a cross catcher.
“Clearly, I perceive that the working again place has been checked out as a ‘lower than’ place. However, I imply, for me, clearly it is a blessing that I can get these guys even which can be in faculty now which can be nice working backs seen and appeared on the proper means,” Robinson mentioned.
“Clearly, for me, being a man that may play working again, play receiver, form of be actually versatile, it is a possibility to do the identical factor. It is positively a blessing, and I am completely satisfied to share it with these guys as effectively.”
In every of the final two seasons at Texas, Robinson rushed for greater than 1,000 yards.
Texas working again Bijan Robinson places on a hat after being chosen by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth total choose throughout the first spherical of the NFL draft Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas Metropolis, Mo. (AP Picture/John Locher)
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He had 1,580 speeding yards and 18 touchdowns on the bottom with 19 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns by way of the air in 2022. In 2021, he rushed for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns.
