Falcons Drafting Bijan Robinson 'Boiling Point' for NFL

Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Bijan Robinson has drawn mixed reviews since being drafted, but could this become a turning point in the NFL?

Since the Atlanta Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson No. 8 overall in last month's draft, finding a similar opinion is like looking for a needle in the haystack. 

From being told it's a "perfect fit" to deeming as Atlanta's "worst draft pick," the outlook on the Falcons spending a first-round pick on a running back have stretched far and wide. 

But the potential Robinson showcased en route to a 2022 Doak Walker Award win and how he fits in Atlanta's long term future certainly played a role in the decision. 

"Taking a running back at No. 8 overall isn't trendy, but some teams I've talked to think Bijan Robinson at No. 8 signifies a boiling point," ESPN writes. "The logic goes like this: Teams typically draft first-rounders with the second contract in mind. Is the player in question a long-term solution at the position? But because longevity is a factor in the devaluing of running backs (along with the surplus of good backs on Day 2 or 3 of the draft), taking the second contract off the table and embracing the possibilities with an elite back can be freeing."

While Robinson's career or prime may not be as long as some other players with more longevity in the first round, the Falcons could be hoping for a large-but-brief boom rather than a smaller-but-longer run of consistent play.

"What you'll see from teams like [Atlanta and Detroit] is, take an RB in the first round, then turn around and take another one in three to four years and don't worry about the silly stuff," an NFL personnel director said via ESPN.

Robinson will join Atlanta's young running back consisting of Caleb Huntley and Tyler Allgeier, both of whom had breakout moments in 2022. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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