NFL Draft Analyst 'All In' on Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson's Pro Potential

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah is buying the hype of former Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson.

© Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson isn't just a running back. He's a weapon that can win in three phases of the game while serving as a difference-maker in any offensive scheme.

Running backs are viewed as a "luxury pick" in the first round of the NFL draft these days. Then again, with a player that can win everywhere on the field, will Robinson's value rank higher than most runners in years past?

During an interview on "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah listed his blue chip prospects to watch for come April 27. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and edge-rusher Will Anderson were listed at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, on Jeremiah's big board, but Robinson came in to steal the bronze spot away from other highly-touted players.

"Bijan Robinson is my third highest rated player in the entire draft" ~ @MoveTheSticks#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/sGbSHQMvER

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 4, 2023

"You can debate if you should take [a running back] or not take one because of the value of the position, but he's my third highest-rated player in the whole draft," Jeremiah said. "If you're looking for someone to come in and have an incredible impact not only catching it but receiving it — I use the comparison to Edgerrin James."

Robinson, the reigning Doak Walker Award winner and consensus top back in the class, made sure to solidify his status as RB1 in his final year on the Forty Acres. The Arizona product finished with a career-high 1,580 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per run. His 20 total TDs ranked second among all FBS players, trailing only Pitt running back Israel Abanikanda (21).

Scouts love Robinson's ability to change direction and win with power and speed. His hands, however, could be the selling item that makes him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.

Robinson averaged 16.5 yards per catch and scored three touchdowns in 2022 on 19 receptions. For his career, the 6-foot runner totaled 60 catches for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns. He also averaged 13.5 yards per reception.

One can see the similarities between Robinson and the Hall of Fame Colts' running back. Drafted out of Miami in 1999, James averaged four yards per run during his 11-year career and totaled seven 1,000-yard campaigns. As a receiver, James posted six seasons of 40-plus catches and averaged 7.8 yards per reception.

When Robinson hears his name called remains a mystery, though he is expected to be off the board sometime before Day 1 of the draft ends. Most mock drafts have him landing somewhere between the late teens and mid-20s.

Several common landing spots for Robinson include the Detroit Lions (No. 18), Los Angeles Chargers (No. 21), Dallas Cowboys (No. 26) and Buffalo Bills (No. 27).

"If you've got a chance to take an Edgerrin James and you're going to pass on him to take a tackle, a corner, a safety, whatever else you want to take who's just a much less player, I don't agree with that. I don't buy that," Jeremiah said. "Even if you agree that this is just six years of great, I'll sign up for six years of that dude." 

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