NFL Draft Fantasy Fit: Texas RB Bijan Robinson
One of the top running back prospects in many years is in the 2023 NFL draft pipeline—Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson. The 2022 unanimous All-American and Doak Walker Award winner had a stellar 2022 season with 1,580 rushing yards, 314 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns. The former five-star recruit has been one of the best backs in the nation since he was a freshman, when he put up 703 rushing yards on just 86 carries (8.2 yards per carry).
The hype train is real and without a doubt, Robinson will be a highly coveted fantasy prospect across redraft and especially in dynasty leagues. He will be a 2023 NFL draft first-round pick, potentially finding a home in the top 10. Despite the position's devaluation in recent drafts, Robinson is just that good. While he will likely go high in the draft, I'm not going to focus too much on current draft position. A team could trade up, trade down or a million things could happen before the Bears are officially on the clock to start the 2023 NFL draft. So let's break down Robinson and team landing spots that would provide a great fantasy outcome.
Bijan Robinson Player Evaluation
• Balance and forward lean when running through traffic is elite
• Size (6') and speed (should run a high 4.4) with quick feet
• Above average vision and awareness between the tackles
• Quick cuts, average burst, doesn't have much of a second gear
• Great lateral agility but sometimes traps himself by not staying north-south
• Decent hands, good enough to play third downs
• Pass blocking is below average
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Bijan Robinson Best Fantasy Fits
Philadelphia Eagles: There's no better fit for a mostly run-first offense, by today's standards, that wants to control the clock and play tough defense. And guess what, they've got the No. 10 pick from the Saints. For a team that's often in the lead, You want your fantasy backs on a team that's regularly playing with a lead.
Buffalo Bills: Will someone let Bills executives and coaching staff know that they don't need to put everything on Josh Allen's shoulders? Devin Singletary is a fine back and is headed to free agency. James Cook will be a fine player and assuming no one else is added to this backfield, he could be a big-time overachieving sleeper next year. But Robinson takes this backfield and offense to another level right away.
Miami Dolphins: Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson are only what I could call "Diet San Francisco.” Neither guy has a great injury history. Robinson would provide stability to an electric offense and be an every-down back. Miami wants to sling it and who could blame them with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Robinson takes pressure off Tua Tagovailoa and his agile running would wear down defensive fronts.
