Bijan Robinson Puts Falcons 'Over the Top,' Predicts Ex GM

The Atlanta Falcons made a big splash at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 30, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons certainly didn't need a running back in the first round after having the third-best rushing attack in the league in 2022, but that didn't stop them from picking Texas standout Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick.

It marked the third year in a row that the Falcons started their draft class with a skill player, taking tight end Kyle Pitts in 2021 and wide receiver Drake London in 2022.

CBS Sports analyst and former NFL general manager Rick Spielman says Robinson was the Falcons' best pick.

"There's no question that he's a top-five talent," Spielman said. "They followed their board and took a top-five talent. He does everything - it's hard to poke any holes in his game when you're watching it on tape. The Atlanta Falcons are going to be very explosive on the offensive side of the ball with everything they've been able to do in the draft the last couple years, and this one is going to take them over the top."

You cannot deny Robinson's talent. He should be absolutely explosive and fun to watch as the Falcons shape their offense around him, but the fit can be questioned, especially when 2022 rookie fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier ran for over 1,000 yards last season.

However, it's likely that Allgeier will still have a decent-sized role in the offense, as he now just might be the best backup running back in the NFL.

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Published Apr 30, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.