Falcons' Bijan Robinson on High Expectations: 'I Tune It All Out'

Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson is expected to immediately play a big role on offense.

Regardless of where Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson was drafted, he was always going to have high expectations. 

Those expectations were only heightened when he went with the No. 8 pick overall pick to Atlanta in the 2023 NFL Draft. But even as the most highly touted rookie running back since Saquon Barkley, Robinson is blocking out the noise.

"I tune it all out," Robinson said. "People tell me all the time that 'There are so many expectations on you, there so many things on your shoulders,' but for me, I know that God always has a plan for me and I know that if that's what he wants for me, it's going to happen."

In Robinson's three seasons at Texas, he totaled 539 carries for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also had 60 receptions for 805 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.

While Robinson has had a lot put on his plate throughout training camp, he started to see growth in his game. The improvement in his game was especially noticeable for Robinson in joint practices against the Miami Dolphins. 

With that growth, the rookie running back is starting to feel more comfortable and confident. 

"That's when my confidence starts building so much more and I understand the game so much more," Robinson said. "I'm learning a lot of different things that I didn't learn before when it comes to reading coverages, when it comes to reading second-level defenders and doing all of that pre-snap." 

Robinson was the third-string running back in the Falcons' depth chart, though it's hard to believe that's really the case or that he'll stay there for long. Atlanta took the generational prospect to be a weapon and elevate an already strong Altanta rushing attack. 

If Robinson can live up to those high expectations, it'll be impossible for him or anyone to ignore the noise. 

The Falcons will be in action for their first preseason game on Friday when they face the Dolphins at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.

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