FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Bijan Robinson knows all about Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s commitment to a strong ground game, including his history with Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.
It all has the former University of Texas star excited about his opportunity to thrive in Atlanta’s run-first scheme.
The Falcons took an offensive skill position player in the first round of the NFL draft for the third consecutive year, selecting Robinson with the eighth overall pick Thursday night in Kansas City, Missouri.
Robinson was regarded as the top running back in the draft pool after rushing for 1,580 yards with 18 touchdowns for Texas last season. Robinson, clocked at 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine this past winter, should provide power and speed to an offense that has emphasized its rushing attack since Smith, the former Titans offensive coordinator, took over in Atlanta in 2021.
The Falcons’ leadership team of general manager Terry Fontenot and Smith also emphasized skill positions on offense in the first rounds of the past two drafts. Tight end Kyle Pitts was the No. 4 overall pick in 2021, and wide receiver Drake London was the 2022 first-round pick, when Atlanta also had the No. 8 pick.
The selection of a running back, even one regarded as highly as Robinson, is considered controversial in an era when many teams wait much later in the draft to address the position.
“Obviously I understand the running back position has been looked at as a less-than position, but for me it’s a blessing,” Robinson said, adding he considers himself to be more than a one-position player, having also worked as a slot receiver with the Longhorns.
“Being a guy that can play running back, play receiver, being versatile — it’s an opportunity to do the same thing,” Robinson said.
As the offensive coordinator for the Titans, Smith utilized Henry in another scheme that emphasized the run. That is intriguing to Robinson, who is eager to find his role in Atlanta’s running game. The Falcons ranked third in the NFL in rushing in 2022.
“It’s great, and obviously I’ll love to be a part of that, especially because he had guys like Derrick Henry, and now that it’s here, it’s going to be pretty cool to see how he uses me in this offense,” Robinson said.
Earlier this week, Fontenot said the Falcons would not rule out selecting an offensive guard or a running back at the No. 8 spot, even if those positions are not popular so high in the draft.
“You look offensively, what are the premium positions?” Fontenot said. “You say tackle and quarterback. You can stack those above other positions, but when we’re going through the process and looking at everything, it’s important to look at the makeup and look at the players, and we’re thinking about the total team. We’re trying to make the team better.”
The Falcons, who have focused on defensive additions to the roster this offseason, bypassed defensive tackle Jalen Carter of the University of Georgia and instead chose Robinson.
The draft follows a busy offseason for Atlanta, which took advantage of its long-awaited ability to be active in free agency after finally emerging from years of salary cap woes. Looking to end a streak of five consecutive losing seasons, including 7-10 finishes the past two, the Falcons committed at least $179.8 million in guaranteed money to players signed or re-signed thus far this offseason.
Robinson will join 2022 rookie Tyler Allgeier and veteran Cordarrelle Patterson as Atlanta’s top running backs.
Robinson’s potential as an explosive runner and receiver out of the backfield should boost quarterback Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick from the University of Cincinnati last year. Ridder was 2-2 as the starter in the final four games last season and is expected to open 2023 on top of the depth chart. League veteran Taylor Heinicke, who signed a two-year deal as a free agent this offseason, said his role is to be Ridder’s backup.
The emphasis with free agents has been to boost the defense. The Falcons are looking for immediate help from newcomers including safety Jessie Bates, tackle David Onyemata, end Calais Campbell and outside linebackers Bud Dupree and Kaden Elliss.
Atlanta also signed cornerback Mike Hughes but cut Casey Hayward, leaving room for the position to be addressed in the draft.