Watch: Falcons' Bijan Robinson shows what he's capable of on first pro drive
It didn't take long for the 2023 eighth overall pick, running back Bijan Robinson, to show what he might be capable of at the NFL level. In fact, it took only one drive.
In his first series as a pro, Robinson carried the ball four times for 20 yards and snatched a one-handed grab the only time quarterback Desmond Ridder targeted him in the passing game.
Robinson's tremendous skills flashed on his very first carry. The 21-year-old swiftly weaved away from defenders, making several quick cuts for a smooth 12-yard gain.
Later in the drive, Robinson showed how he could impact things through the air, corralling a screen pass with one hand before breaking a tackle for a modest six-yard gain.
The preseason is for overreactions and conjecture. It's part of what makes the tedious time somewhat fun while awaiting the arrival of the regular season. However, in the case of Robinson, it's less jumping to conclusions and more of a confirmation. In 2022, Robinson was an All-American at Texas, leading the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,580) and touchdowns (18). Meanwhile, in Falcons training camp, Robinson has picked up where he left off, wowing with his trademark runs while also showing a tremendous mismatch potential catching the ball out of the backfield.
His talents haven't been lost on even the veteran in Falcons camp, including Pro Bowler defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who recently said Robinson would be a "heck of a player."
When the Falcons released their most recent depth chart, Robinson was third behind Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier. Robinson wasn't the first running back to touch the ball on Friday, but it's not hard to gather that his spot in the running back pecking order is bound to change sooner rather than later.
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