As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Bijan Robinson.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
6’0″ – 220 lbs.
Background:
Five-star recruit who immediately worked his way into the rotation as a freshman, finishing with 86-703-4 (8.2) over nine games, and adding 15-196-2 receiving. Took over the full-time role in 2021, ending the year with 195-1,127-11 (5.8) rushing and 26-295-4 receiving. Then saw his role expand again this past year, ending the season with 258-1,580-18 (6.1), adding 19-314-2 through the air.
Positives:
Highly productive college workhorse with the body to do the same at the pro level. Highly effective one-cut runner who shows the vision and patience to wait for things to develop before hitting the hole, showcasing solid explosiveness and deep speed. Very elusive player who has crisp footwork, makes sharp cuts and can make the first man miss. Played behind a somewhat leaky offensive line and showed that he’s capable of creating something out of nothing when faced with defenders in the backfield. Able to find pockets of space when working through congestion.
Runs with physicality and decisiveness, especially past the line of scrimmage. Does a nice job of fighting for additional yardage and finishing his runs by falling forward, showing consistent leg drive to generate yards after contact. Overall flexibility and balance are good. Ball security has been pretty solid (six fumbles on 599 career rushes/receptions). Impressive receiving skills to adjust to throws away from his frame, with soft hands (no drops this past year). Took a few snaps from the slot and split out wide as well.
Negatives:
Carried a heavy workload last season, so there’s some tread on his tires. As a taller back, center of gravity can be a little bit high at times. Can get tripped up in the backfield at times when trying to stretch the defense out when small gains are available. Made some strides in pass protection this past season but needs to continue improving at the next level; was primarily a receiver in college, with roughly three-quarters of his passing down snaps being routes. Physical running style can lead to him taking more punishment than you’d like. 2021 season ended in Week 11 after sustaining a dislocated elbow.
Summary:
One of the most complete running-back prospects you’re likely to see, he possesses a highly impressive combination of size, vision, patience, footwork and explosiveness, showing that he can function as a reliable workhorse and make plays on passing downs as a receiver as well. Blitz pickup is one area he’ll have to continue to work on at the next level, but will probably step right into an every-down, primary ballcarrier role at the next level. Likely coming off the board in the first half of the first round as a foundational piece who can help establish a pro team’s identity on the offensive side of the ball.
Projection: Round 1
Other 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects
- Devon Achane (RB – Texas A&M)
- Tank Bigsby (RB – Auburn)
- Chase Brown (RB – Illinois)
- Zach Charbonnet (RB – UCLA)
- Zach Evans (RB – Mississippi)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
- Roschon Johnson (RB – Texas)
- Kenny McIntosh (RB – Georgia)
- Kendre Miller (RB – TCU)
- Sean Tucker (RB – Syracuse)
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