NFL insider hints at increasing buzz star RB could be drafted by Eagles

Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson is one of the best players in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the devaluation of the running back position puts tremendous uncertainty on where he will be selected on draft night.

If teams drafted on talent alone, Robinson would be taken within the first three picks. In recent years, though, NFL teams have realized that most running backs are replaceable and clubs always find high-end starters in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.

• Bijan Robinson stats (career): 3,410 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns, 6.3 ypc

While there is a growing belief around the NFL that running backs shouldn’t be first-round picks, Robinson is the exception. Multiple draft analysts, executives and scouts view him as the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, capable of earning multiple All-Pro selections in the prime years of their career.

Less than a week before the NFL Draft begins on April 27, there remains a wide range of projections for where Robinson will be picked. The average draft position for the 5-foot-11 all-purpose back is in the mid-20s. However, it appears there is a chance he is drafted with a top-10 pick on Thursday night.

Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network spoke to multiple people around the league who believe the Eagles might be more open to drafting Robinson with the 10th pick after extending Jalen Hurts. In addition, many around the NFL think Philadelphia’s offense is a great fit for Robinson.

On paper, the Eagles are the best landing spot for Robinson. Philadelphia posted the third-highest PFF run-blocking grade last season and it had four players with 50-plus rushing attempts average more than 4 ypc. The Eagles’ leading rushers, Hurts and Miles Sanders, combined for 2,039 rushing yards on just 424 carries (4.81 ypc). Robinson is also an excellent option on passing downs, serving as a quality blocker when needed and is capable of running a variety of routes when he is lined up as a wide receiver.

It still seems unlikely the Eagles will use the 10th overall pick on a running back. If general manager Howie Roseman wants Robinson, he’ll either trade down from the 10th pick and draft Robinson or trade up from the 30th overall pick into the mid-20s to land him.