Robinson enters the NFL as the highest-regarded prospect at the running back position since Saquon Barkley, and some would argue he's a more complete back. The Falcons earned the highest rushing grade in the NFL in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus, with an excellent and diverse run blocking scheme installed by coach Arthur Smith and his assistants. Smith coordinated a dominant rushing attack as offensive coordinator with the Titans led by Derrick Henry, and the blueprint is likely to be the same now with a talent like Robinson. Robinson set a record for the most forced missed tackles in a single season, per PFF's game charting, and he enters the NFL as one of the biggest mismatches in the passing game at the position. The Falcons will get him the ball early and often in the red zone, early downs and in the passing game. He is screaming up draft boards as we speak and you'll probably have to use a mid-first-round pick to get him. Robinson should be the first pick overall in rookie-only drafts.
Falcons' Bijan Robinson: Shines in win over Green Bay
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Robinson rushed 19 times for 124 yards and caught four of five targets for 48 yards during Sunday's 25-24 win over the Packers.
Robinson led the team in rushing attempts and rushing yards. Tyler Allgeier finished with 16 carries for 48 yards, while Desmond Ridder added 10 rushes for 39 yards. However, unlike Week 1 when the two running backs combined for all three of Atlanta's touchdowns, neither scored during the Falcons' comeback win Sunday. Robinson was clearly the more dynamic back versus Green Bay and consistently made people miss, while Allgeier bulldozed his way to yards. Regardless, the two are expected to continue splitting carries for the time being. While this limits Robinson's overall fantasy value, it does keep him fresh for when his potent playmaking ability is needed most.
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Falcons' Bijan Robinson: Likely headed for workload split
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Robinson may receive the starting nod Sunday against the Packers but is once again expected to split work out of the backfield with Tyler Allgeier, Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football."
The timeshare arrangement tilted in favor of Robinson in the Week 1 win over the Panthers, as he logged 31 snaps on offense (65 percent share) to Allgeier's 26 (54 percent). However, Allgeier turned in the more fantasy-friendly line (15 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns to go with three catches for 19 yards), though Robinson still delivered useful production in his own right (10 carries for 56 yards, six catches for 27 yards and a touchdown). Atlanta may not be able to find as many carries for both backs Week 2 in what projects to be a tougher matchup with the Packers, but Robinson should still be in store for double-digit touches while also functioning as the Falcons' preferred back on passing downs. Allgeier was used more than Robinson in goal-line scenarios last week, and if that trend continues Week 2, it could limit Robinson's touchdown-scoring upside.
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Falcons' Bijan Robinson: Makes professional debut
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Robinson carried the ball four times for 20 yards in Friday's 13-13 tie with the Bengals in preseason action. He also recorded one catch for six yards.
The Falcons' first-team offense played only one series, though it lasted 20 plays and 9:51 of game time. Robinson played on that drive and entered the game after Tyler Allgeier took the first carry of the game. He gained 12 yards with his first carry and was largely unremarkable otherwise, though he did manage to haul in his only target. Robinson may not take the field again until a Week 1 matchup against the Panthers, when he'll almost certainly lead Atlanta's backfield.
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Falcons' Bijan Robinson: Expected to suit up vs. Bengals
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Robinson is expected to play in Friday's preseason matchup against Cincinnati, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
Robinson was among a majority of key offensive playmakers for Atlanta who sat out last Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, but coach Arthur Smith said the rookie first-round pick will play a handful of snaps Friday. With 4.46 speed, workhorse size and a true three-down skill set as a part of a run-heavy scheme, Robinson is coming off the board early in the first round of most fantasy drafts. Considering the high expectations already set for Robinson, it will be hard for his preseason debut to truly move the needle in one direction or another.
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Falcons' Bijan Robinson: Set for preseason debut
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Robinson is slated to make his preseason debut next Friday versus the Bengals, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
After Robinson and the rest of the first-team offense didn't suit up for Friday's exhibition opener at Miami, he'll be out there for preseason Week 2. He ripped off 6.3 YPC and hauled in 60 passes in 31 career games at Texas, which will serve him well in one of the NFL's most run-heavy schemes.
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Falcons' Bijan Robinson: Taken eighth overall by Atlanta
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The Falcons selected Robinson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, eighth overall.
Robinson (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) is the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley went fifth in 2018. Like Barkley, Robinson is expected to be a three-down workhorse and a standout pass-catching threat, a setup that should allow him to become one of the top fantasy running backs in a hurry. Tyler Allgeier might be overqualified as a backup runner with Robinson now in Atlanta, but talent like Robinson's demands the first and second opportunity. With 4.46 speed and an exceptionally productive collegiate career to his credit, the former Texas back seems like a potential star at the position.
