NFL Draft: Why Falcons Took RB Bijan Robinson at No. 8

Bijan Robinson is the newest member of the Atlanta Falcons after being taken with the No. 8 overall pick.
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The Atlanta Falcons didn't need a running back, but they got one in Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The Falcons were in need of adding a pass rusher or a cornerback to play alongside A.J. Terrell, but the team opted for Robinson, a super speedy running back to add to the backfield with 2022 fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier and veteran Cordarrelle Patterson.

However, the Falcons met with Robinson and the two sides started to build a great rapport.

"Yeah, I mean, the Falcons, that's a great organization, great coaches," Robinson said. "I had a chance to meet with them, as well - it was an awesome meeting. I kind of see where that's going in, where that's headed at.

"But for me, we just don't know - we could have a surprise, or anything could happen, but I just know God's going to put me in the right team, right position wherever I'm at."

Robinson, 21, is coming off a stellar junior season for the Longhorns, earning unanimous All-American honors after running for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging over six yards per carry. He was also a threat in the passing game, hauling in 19 passes for 314 yards and two scores.

Now, Robinson is in position to form one of the most dynamic backfields in football with Allgeier and give opposing defensive lines fits around the NFL.


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Jeremy Brener
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.