Bijan Robinson is a playmaker. In the run and pass game, the Falcons‘ first-round selection is an explosive play waiting to happen. He was responsible for 45 plays of 20+ yard gains in his career at Texas, including eight carries of 50+ yards; 14 of those 45 explosive plays were through the air. There is a bevy of ways for him to impact the team, but who benefits the most?
Tyler Allgeier & Cordarrelle Patterson
Sure, you might think that Allgeier and Patterson will receive fewer touches, so this draft pick hurts them… wrong. The addition of Bijan Robinson will enable Arthur Smith to save Cordarrelle Patterson’s legs, which have given out on him two years in a row, while also allowing him to assume a more diverse role in the offense. In that same breath, Allgeier’s career will be prolonged next to Robinson instead of being run into the ground and unhealthy by the time his second contract rolls around. It will always keep a fresh running back on the field for the Falcons.
Desmond Ridder
This one is straightforward. Ridder has three massive pass-catchers in Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Jonnu Smith. He will also have four starters up front returning, along with a second-rounder assuming the fifth offensive line position. And he’ll have a stable of running backs to take the pressure off him. Bijan Robinson will be a weapon for Ridder, someone that can consistently bail him out. As always, a run game is a young quarterback’s best friend.
Offensive Line
The offensive line was one of the best run-blocking units in the league, but they weren’t perfect. There were plays where certain facets failed, and runs went for negative gains. That will change with Bijan Robinson. He’s so special that he can make a positive play out of most situations. The offensive line won’t have to be perfect, and Robinson will still make them look good.
Arthur Smith
Bijan Robinson is the ultimate offensive weapon. Arthur Smith just needs to get the ball in his hands, and he’ll do the rest. Smith can use Robinson in various ways in the pass and run game. It will make his job a lot easier, designing and calling plays.
However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say Arthur Smith benefits from Bijan Robinson, but the selection could ultimately be his downfall. If the Falcons cannot make the postseason in the coming seasons, everyone will look back at this draft as the reason, even if it’s invalid. That’s what happens when you take a running back in the top 10.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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