The 2022 Atlanta Falcons finished 7-10, only a few bounces of the football away from a playoff trip. The NFC South was a division muddied in mediocrity in 2022, and will likely be the same in 2023. Although the Falcons had running backs in Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson (1730 yards combined), they ran for only a combined 11 touchdowns. The Falcons offense needed more consistent electricity down the stretch. Faced at select number eight in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Falcons could have their pick of a top offensive or defensive player. Looking to improve the rather drab offensive scoring productivity, they selected the most productive and talented back entering the NFL since Saquon Barkley: Bijan Robinson, Texas.
Atlanta Falcons Draft Rookie-of-the-Year Candidate Bijan Robinson
The Atlanta Falcons entered the NFL Draft with a plethora of needs. Their 2022 performance could have been worse; it was also on the brink of late-season brilliance and a potential NFC South Title. The Falcons offense ranked 24 in overall yards (5,417) and 15 in points for (365): statistically and categorically mediocre. That mediocrity spoke to a lack of game-changing wide receivers, a rotating quarterback room, and an unsettled gameplan. The Falcons simply lacked players that defences might have to coordinate and game-plan around. When defences focus too ardently on single players, the average players on an offense suddenly can spark long-runs or break open in the secondary. The Falcons simply had no one who struck fear into the heart of a defence.
That all changes with the selection of Bijan Robinson at number eight. He is the most dynamic player in the 2023 NFL Draft, capable of flattening defenders and breaking long runs. He catches passes from the backfield, is athletic to match any defender, and will make linebackers miss tackles.
Let’s go get this run! pic.twitter.com/dfj9uEPDGr
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 28, 2023
Rookie of the Year?
Mere hours after Bijan Robinson became an Atlanta Falcon, he is already the player most likely to earn rookie of the year. His talent, skills and potential productivity all make him a powerful player for the Atlanta Falcons. Selecting Robinson at number eight likely means the Falcons coordinators have long ruminated on how they can incorporate him into the offense. The Falcons have an immediate need for a high-volume, high-productivity player.
Pundits have nearly universally compared Robinson to Saquon Barkley. During Barkley’s rookie campaign, in which he earned Pro-Bowl and rookie-of-the-year accolades, he ran for 1307 yards, 11 touchdowns, while catching 91 passes for 721 yards and another four scores. Barkley’s production was flatly insane, and unfortunately, he has yet to have another campaign as good. Robinson may not have the production of Barkley, but he has the potential to have as many touchdowns and leave defences questioning how to defend against his running style.
Bijan Robinson’s Future Propsects
More will also depend on how the Atlanta Falcons utilise him in the offense. Arthur Smith is not the savviest offensive coach, and may end up on the hot seat if he cannot maximise Robinson’s talents. The key for Robinson, however, will not be only a top rookie campaign, but sustaining productivity over the next several seasons.
If Bijan Robinson puts together a productive rookie campaign, and manages to stay healthy, he can become the next Saquon Barkley or Marshawn Lynch. In an NFL lacking running backs who are true workhorses, the Atlanta Falcons may have found a true workhorse. He is very likely to become the face of the Falcons and stun NFC south defences for years to come. With one selection, the Falcons cannot turn around their entire franchise; but, they found themselves a dynamic and fun player, giving fans years of thrilling running to watch.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
