Bijan Robinson Too Tempting for Falcons to Pass Up?

The Atlanta Falcons don't need a running back, but it will be difficult to not pick Bijan Robinson if he's still on the board at No. 8.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 19, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will have a lot of options when they are on the clock at No. 8.

There's needs at cornerback and pass rush, and even the offensive line, but the sexiest potential pick has to be Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

Robinson would add more talent to an already strong backfield and continue the tradition of adding top-10 skill players, following tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London.

However, Bleacher Report believes the Falcons need to avoid taking Robinson with their first pick in next week's draft.

"It may be tempting to grab a potential generational running back like Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick this year, but the Falcons should instead look to the other side of the ball," Bleacher Report writes. "Atlanta mustered a mere 21 sacks last season—the second-fewest in the league—and desperately needs to bring in an elite edge-rusher to bolster that number. Someone like Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson can plug that hole and should be available when they are on the clock."

Drafting Robinson would be a sign that the Falcons are targeting their best player available on the board rather than positional need since Atlanta isn't in dire need of a running back.

"Factor in that the organization already unearthed a promising young back last year—unheralded fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier had a breakout 1,000-yard season—and Robinson is simply too great a luxury for a Falcons side that has more pressing needs elsewhere," Bleacher Report writes.

Robinson would give the Falcons a lot more attention on the offensive side of the ball, but perhaps Atlanta would fare better by continuing to add to its much-improved defense.

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Published Apr 19, 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.