Bijan Robinson (RB-Texas)
Age: 21
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 215 LBS
24/7 Sports Composite: 0.9928 (5-Star)
Injury History: Dislocated Elbow 2021, Neck Strain 2021, Shoulder 2022
Accolades:
Doak Walker Award (2022)
Unanimous All-American (2022)
First Team All-Big 12 (2021, 2022)
NFL Combine:
4.46 40 Yard Dash (85th percentile)
1.52 10 Yard Split (85th percentile)
37” Vertical Jump (81st percentile)
10’4 Broad Jump (85th percentile)
High School:
Bijan Robinson played his high school football at Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona. Robinson set multiple state records with his career 7,036 rushing yards and 114 touchdowns. Robinson in his senior season would put up godly numbers when he ran for 2,235 yards and 28 touchdowns on only 126 carries (17.7 YPC). Robinson went on to win the Arizona Gatorade player of the year and was selected to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl.
The 5-star recruit and the #1 overall running back prospect in the nation would receive multiple offers but chose to continue his playing career with the Texas Longhorns.
Freshman:
Robinson would backup Keontay Ingram for the first half of the season, but after Ingram suffered a high ankle sprain then after opting out for the rest of the season, Robinson had been given his opportunity to be the team’s starter. Robinson in the final six games of the season would rush for 636 yards and 4 touchdowns. His two best performances would come against Kansas State and in the Alamo Bowl against Colorado. Robinson would combine for 355 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns on 19 carries in those two games. Robinson would be named as an honorable mention for the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the year and would finish his freshman year with 703 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.
Sophomore:
Robinson would now have an opportunity to be the team’s starter for the entire season. He did not disappoint as in 10 games, Robinson accumulated 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground along with 295 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns through the air. Robinson’s season unfortunately would be cut short due to a season ending elbow injury. Despite the injury, Robinson would still be named to the First Team All-Big 12 team and was also named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker award, and Maxwell Award.
Junior:
Robinson’s best season of his career came as a junior where he would run for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground along with 314 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns through the air. Robinson would again be named as a member of the First Team All-Big 12 and he finally would win the Doak Walker award as the nation’s best running back. Robinson finished as the Longhorns fourth leading rusher in school history with 3,410 career rushing yards and would later declare for the NFL Draft.
Strengths:
Elite vision. Robinson not only finds the holes very well, but he can anticipate when holes begin to close and when holes begin to open. Very patient runner.
Makes it very difficult for defenders to wrap him up with his elite footwork. Makes his cuts and jukes look completely effortless and continuously is able to make defenders miss. (#1 in missed tackles forced in 2022 and #3 in missed tackles forced in 2021 according to PFF).
He’s a true three down back, Texas used him on wheel routes, screens, slants, and sometimes posts down the field, natural pass catcher.
Very effective in pass protection.
Has great contact balance, not elite but very good. Hard to bring him down when attacking his lower body.
Weaknesses:
His 40 yard dash time was very good, but on film, it didn't seem like he had elite top-end speed and long speed to finish some runs. Still a very good athlete with very good speed and acceleration, just not quite on the elite level.
His patience could result in him having a slow start in the NFL having to adjust to its speed. Also in college, there were some occasions where his dancing behind the LOS would cost him.
539 carries in college, is able to be a workhorse back, but there could be a concern of wear and tear.
Overall:
Bijan Robinson is by far the best running back prospect in this draft class. He’s the prototypical workhorse running back who can play all three downs. His vision and cutting ability are world class and is really almost a complete player. I do think that he will sneak into the first round despite the position being so sought after. He’s just that good of a player.
I don’t think he is a “generational” prospect at the position because of his lack of top end speed at the position, but I think he’s too good for that to really diminish him as a player. He’s going to be a very good running back at the next level and he is one of the best overall players in this draft class.
Carr’s Grading System:
9.5-10: The Perfect Prospect. No holes in their game with the expectation they become the best player at their position. Future HOF lock.
9.0-9.4: This player will be a top 5 player at their position in the future. Multiple all-pros in their future.
8.5-8.9: This player becomes a top 10 player at their position. Pro Bowls in their future.
8.0-8.4: Above average starter. First round talent.
(BOB) BOOM OR BUST
7.5-7.9: Average NFL player. Dependable starter Round 2-3 player
7.1-7.4: Below Average NFL player. Will be a rotational piece, a backup, or depth player. Round 4 or later player.
6.5-7.0: Bust, undrafted player, practice squad or special teams player.
6.4 or lower: Stay Away at all costs
Grade: 8.9 (Future Top 10 At Their Position, Multiple Time Pro Bowler.)
Player Comparison: Arian Foster with more athleticism
Potential Fits/Destinations: Eagles, Bills, and Cowboys
