The Atlanta Falcons selected running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, making him the highest drafted player at that position since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to New York. Giants in 2018.
NFL teams have been maligned in recent years for drafting running backs too high because running backs often have short careers.
Robinson was taken eighth, and the Detroit Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs in an upset at No. 12.
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Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Bijan Robinson speaks at a news conference at the team’s training facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Friday, April 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)
«I know the top-10 running back position is very, very rare. But, I mean, it’s great to be a guy who can share that and show the younger kids in college football, the younger running backs, which is You just have to do everything the right way and be as effective as possible for their program,» Robinson said Friday, via ESPN.
Robinson said he believed he and Gibbs could start a new trend in the NFL.
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Texas running back Bijan Robinson poses after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
«Our games are a little bit similar, and you can line up anywhere on the field and just be a mismatch since we’re at running back,» Robinson added. «I see that’s where the running back position is being looked at now. That’s where I think he’s going to go.»
Robinson said Thursday night that he has value as a running back and pass catcher.
«Obviously, I understand running back has been seen as a ‘less than’ position. But, I mean, to me, it’s obviously a blessing that I’m able to get these guys, even though they’re in college now that they’re great running backs. «. backs seen and seen the right way,» Robinson said.
«Obviously, for me, being a guy who can play running back, catcher, be really versatile, it’s an opportunity to do the same thing. It’s definitely a blessing, and I’m happy to share it with those guys like Bueno.»
In each of the past two seasons at Texas, Robinson has rushed for more than 1,000 yards.
Texas running back Bijan Robinson dons a hat after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth overall pick during the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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He had 1,580 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns with 19 receptions for 314 yards and two passing touchdowns in 2022. In 2021, he rushed for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns.