The draft’s first skill player is off the board. With the eighth overall pick, the Falcons have selected Texas running back Bijan Robinson. 
Robinson was widely considered to be the most talented RB in the draft. However, considering teams’ recent penchant for avoiding first-round running backs, it was uncertain where the he would ultimately land. Rumored to be interested in Robinson, Atlanta indeed proved to be the landing spot. Robinson will join an offense that has invested plenty of assets into skill players in recent years.
Atlanta has used its top selections on tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London over the past two seasons, and the team’s running game will see a considerable boost with the addition of Robinson. The latter won the Doak Walker Award and was named a consensus All-American in 2022 after punctuating a stellar three-year Longhorns stint with a career-year in his junior campaign.
Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards (on an average of 6.1 per carry) and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground. He added 314 yards and a pair of scores in the passing game, demonstrating the dual-threat ability which has led many to draw comparisons to Saquon Barkley. If Robinson reaches that level of production at the NFL level, this selection will be an effective one.
This year’s free agent market demonstrated the league’s view of running backs and how their valuation has dropped in recent years. Robinson was connected to Atlanta in the pre-draft process, with many naming him as an exception to the rule pointing against the usage of premium picks on the RB position. He will step into a crowded backfield in Atlanta, but he is sure to carve out a sizable role.
The Falcons ranked third in the league in rushing yards last season, with 2022 fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier topping 1,000 yards on the ground. Veteran Cordarrelle Patterson is also in the fold, after showing a continued ability to produce when healthy. Patterson is heading into his age-32 season. Robinson will enter a favorable spot for him to adjust to the NFL level, but he will ensure Atlanta remains a highly productive rushing team for the short- and long-term future.
Build a defense…..
They are…its just the 1st pick smh. Several more picks to go plus the several Defensive players they signed and traded for the last few weeks
Gonna draw 10 in the box unless Ridder can get the ball dwn field n keep DCs honest
if Ridder can be an average or above average Game Manager…Bijan will be hugely productive
Makes sense.
Atlantas coach Arthur Smith has a history of being a good o line guy and without a quality QB and WRers, the offence at a minimum should be able to open up running lanes.
Very early but expect a big role for Robinson this year
Sign Wentz on a cheap 1 yr deal. Or Matt Ryan. Simple 1 yr solution.
Is the object to finish with the worst record in the league? Because Wentz or Ryan could do that.
Yeah, I question if either of those options are better than Heinicke at this point
Sign Wentz or Ryan to a 1 yr deal. Very simple. Low base, incentive laden.
Think M Ryans is done, looked absolutely terrible last yr, got old n it shows, his arm strength is poor now, could do alot worse than Bridgewater as place holder
Definitely wrong about this pick..I honestly should’ve known better with his run centric offensive style coming from the Titans…
I’m just wondering if the Tirans and Vrabel couldn’t ever get over the hump, does he think he can just do it better or something???
Good pick
Someone else said it but the comment deleted so I’ll repeat it cuz i agree…While I like this pick, this does most likely lead to Arthur Smith ignoring he last 2 1st round picks in Pitts and London smh