The Atlanta Falcons didn’t follow the blueprint of most teams in recent NFL Drafts.
They got themselves the best player available, regardless of the position, landing their workhorse in Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 pick.
Using a first-round pick on a running back hasn’t been much of a trend lately, let alone a top-10 pick, so they must be quite high on him and are looking forward to using him in a variety of ways.
That’s why former NFL GM Scott Pioli believes he’s the rookie in the best position to succeed and make an immediate impact next season, as stated on Good Morning Football.
. @scottpioli51 wakes up with us and drops the name of the rookie he thinks is in the best position to succeed in 2023 and beyond
👀 @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/mhpCzihEfb
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) May 9, 2023
Pioli explained that Arthur Smith has always favored the running game, and he’s found plenty of success with that approach.
He compared Robinson to Najee Harris’ rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, citing that the Longhorns product is most likely in for a heavy workload right out of the gate.
Pioli added that Pittsburgh also used Harris as a receiver quite often, adding that Robinson is a much better pass-catcher, so he might as well have even more impressive numbers in his first season in the league.
Robinson has the potential to be a generational player at the running back position, even if the league is becoming more pass-oriented nowadays.
He can line up nearly everywhere on the field, and the Falcons’ quarterback situation is far from ideal.
Barring injury, he should be in line for the Offensive Rookie of the Year, even if the team doesn’t have a lot going on.
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The Falcons Have Signed A Veteran CB