An astounding figure highlights why Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson already looks like a top-five running back.
Per StatMuse, the eighth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft and 49ers two-time Pro Bowler Christian McCaffrey are the only RBs with 250 or more all-purpose yards through two games. Robinson’s posted the sixth-most yards (255) in the league, while McCaffrey has logged the second-most (304).
The 21-year-old has been a key component in Atlanta’s first 2-0 start since 2017. He rushed for 124 yards on 19 carries and caught four receptions for 48 yards in Sunday’s 25-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers. He also converted a crucial fourth-and-1 with 2:07 left in the fourth quarter, setting up a winning 25-yard Younghoe Koo field goal.
“He’s just a very smart and instinctive player,” Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said of Robinson following the victory, per Jay Busbee of Yahoo! Sports. “We put a lot on his plate … but we had a lot of conviction that he could handle that.”
Many questioned when Atlanta used a top-10 pick on the RB because the position has lost some value, with more teams emphasizing the passing game. Furthermore, the position wasn’t a need as the Falcons amassed 2,718 rushing yards in 2022, third in the NFL.
Nonetheless, the Falcons made the right choice since Robinson looks like a game-changer, giving the franchise a much-needed spark after five consecutive losing seasons. Per OddsChecker, he holds the best chance (+210) to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
If his upward trajectory continues, Robinson will become one of the top RBs in the NFL and an offensive weapon who tilts the field.
