Lions Make 'Luxury Pick', Draft Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson in Mel Kiper Jr. Mock

Another mock draft sees Bijan Robinson going in the first round, with Mel Kiper's latest mock placing him in the top 20.

Connor Zimmerlee | Apr 11, 2023

In this story:

Texas Longhorns

While there is no shortage of debate surrounding the value of taking a running back in the first round of the NFL draft, that likely won't stop a team from making Texas' Bijan Robinson a first-round pick.

The Longhorn running back is considered the best running back in this draft class and is seen by some as the best prospect at the position since Saquon Barkley came out of college.

As such, most, if not all, mock drafts have him landing somewhere within the first round. Where he lands, though, is the big question. Well, in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, he doesn't see Robinson making it outside of the top 20.

Rd. 1 No. 18 - Bijan Robinson - RB (Texas)

"People keep telling me Robinson won't last into the 20s. He's that good. It's just really tough to find the perfect landing spot for him because teams finally understand the value of running backs in Round 1. So I'm going to follow Todd McShay's lead and slot in Robinson to Detroit.

Why? Because he'd be better in 2023 than D'Andre Swift, who is a free agent next year, and because he'd bring a receiving threat to the offense that free agent signing David Montgomery just doesn't have. Robinson is a luxury pick, but the Lions really don't have that many needs. They can afford a luxury selection here."

The Lions were one of the NFL's best offenses last season, averaging 26.6 points per game on 380 yards of total offense. With Jamaal Williams leaving in free agency, and Swift's injury history, adding Robinson could be a logical fit for a Lions team that has two first-round picks.

After all, the Doak Walker winner rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns and could help the Lions' offense not miss a beat with the departure of Williams this offseason.

You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Longhorns? Click Here to Subscribe to the Longhorns Country Newsletter

Want even more Texas Longhorns? Check out the SI.com team page here

Follow Longhorns Country on Twitter and Facebook.

Make sure to subscribe to the Longhorns Country Podcast today! Click here To Listen.

Published Apr 11, 2023

CONNOR ZIMMERLEE

Connor Zimmerlee is a writer and reporter for the FanNation network. Zimmerlee received his Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and graduated from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism with a Master's of Science in Journalism with a Specialization in Sports Media.