Falcon Report

'Falcons Got a Star!': Kevin Durant Praises Bijan Robinson Pick

NBA star Kevin Durant effused praise on running back Bijan Robinson, drafted No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons after a strong college career at Texas, where Durant starred on the hardwood.

Daniel Flick

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After three stellar seasons at the University of Texas, running back Bijan Robinson didn't have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night, with the Atlanta Falcons selecting him No. 8 overall.

Robinson, an All-American in 2022, finished his career ranked fourth in Longhorns history with 3,405 rushing yards, eighth in all-purpose yards with 4,231, ninth in points scored at 246. His 805 receiving yards ranked third by a running back in program history.

And upon being drafted, Robinson was congratulated by and received praise from another former Longhorns star - Kevin Durant, currently in the midst of a playoff run with the NBA's Phoenix Suns.

"One of the greatest I've ever seen put on that burnt orange," Durant tweeted. "(The Falcons) got a star!!"

Durant was only at Texas for the 2006-07 season but remains a fan of the university.

With Robinson, the Falcons are adding one of the draft's premiere players, regardless of position. He proved to be a versatile, dynamic weapon for the Longhorns and will be an impact player from the moment he steps foot in Atlanta.

Despite the presence of franchise rookie record-breaking rusher Tyler Allgeier and veteran playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson, Robinson's ability to be used in a multitude of ways and create his own yards make him an instant difference maker.

And according to Durant, a "star" who appears poised to shine.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.

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