Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud Praises Atlanta Falcons 'Monster' Bijan Robinson

Sunday's game between the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans will feature a trio of first-round draft picks from this season's rookie class, including Bijan Robinson, C.J. Stroud, and Will Anderson.

Sunday's game between the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans will feature a trio of rookie first-round draft picks. The Texans will have quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson, both of whom were top-five picks. At the same time, the Falcons will feature No. 8 overall pick running back Bijan Robinson.  

Like Stroud, who many consider an early frontrunner for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Robinson is off to a strong start through the first four games and is already being called a "monster."

“Yeah, Bijan [Robinson] is a monster," Stroud said of the Falcons rookie. "He was supposed to be a Buckeye, so I’m still kind of mad at him about that, but that’s my guy. ... It’s a real blessing to see somebody all the way from – really, I’ve known Bijan since probably my junior year of high school I think – I met him at the League 11 – to all the way now, us being in the pros." 

Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson, the former Texas Longhorn, was a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school. Then, a Tuscon, Arizona, native held offers from Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama, among other premier programs, before ultimately winding up in Austin for three seasons. 

And while former Buckeyes and potential teammates like Stroud may not have liked the decision of Robinson, it is hard to argue it didn't pay off for the star running back. After three productive seasons at the college level, Robinson's success has seemingly translated to the professional level as he leads the Falcons in rushing and is second for receiving. 

Robinson has totaled 318 yards on 53 carries, with another 134 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions. While the Falcons are currently amid a two-game losing streak, it didn't stop Robinson from having a "monster" game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Falcons' rookie rushed for 105 yards on 14 carries while adding 32 yards on five receptions in the 23-7 loss.

"It’s cool to see somebody progress in their process from him playing in high school to [Texas] and then all the way now to the Falcons," Stroud said. "He’s balling, man. I’m super excited and happy for that guy.”