FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Bijan Robinson knows all about Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith's commitment to a strong running game, including his history with Derrick Henry at Tenne see.That history has Robinson excited about his opportunity to thrive in that run-first attack.The Falcons took an offensive skill position player in the first round for the third consecutive year by selecting with the eighth overall pick of the NFL draft on Thursday night.Robinson was regarded as the top running back in the draft 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
Torrey Mitchell Men Jersey , provides power and speed to a Falcons offense which has emphasized the running game under Smith.Hes an impactful player; hes a home run hitter, said Smith of Robinson. 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 many teams wait much later in the draft to addre s the position.Obviously I understand the running back position has been looked at as a le s-than position, but for me its a ble sing, Robinson said, adding he considers himself to be more than a one-position player.Being a guy that can play running back,
Tiger Williams Women Jersey play receiver, being versatile," Robinson said, adding he worked as a slot receiver at Texas. Its an opportunity to do the same thing, he said.Because other teams might be reluctant to take a running back as high in the draft, the Falcons entertained offers to trade back in the first round with the hope of still being able to land Robinson. You definitely weigh it, you communicate with teams, see what the price would be, Fontenot said. Ultimately, Smith said those in the Falcons draft room became convinced Robinson wouldn't last long.Were not in other peoples draft rooms but things become pretty obvious, Smith said. "We feel pretty damn good about where were at.As the offensive coordinator for the Tenne see Titans, Smith utilized Henry in another offense which emphasized the running game. That history 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.Its great and obviously Ill love to be a part of that, especially because he had guys like Derrick Henry and now that its here its going to be
Jonny Brodzinski Kids Jersey pretty cool to see how he uses me in this offense, Robinson said.Smith cringed when asked if Robinson could impact the Falcons as Henry carried the load for the Titans. Smith called Henry a gold jacket player who will land in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.We know what we need to get to, what were planning to achieve here, Smith said. "Nobody will be Derrick Henry, I can promise you that.Fontenot said this week the Falcons would not rule out guard or 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 were going through the proce s and looking at everything, its important to look at the makeup and look at the players
Oscar Fantenberg Women Jersey and were thinking about the total team. Were trying to make the team better.Robinson was a popular pick with NBA star Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, another former college star at Texas. Durant Robinson is One of the greatest Ive ever seen put on that burnt orange. @AtlantaFalcons got a star!! Lets go.Robinson said he and Durant chop it up as friends.I respect him a lot, Robinson said. Kevin, that dude is the most solid it gets. We both represent Texas the best we can. I just respect him to the highest.The Falcons, who have focused on defense this offseason, bypa
Paul LaDue Women Jersey sed 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 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 seasons, 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 be a boost for quarterback Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick from Cincinnati last year. Ridder was 2-2 as the starter in the final four games last season and is expected to open 2023 as the starter. Veteran Taylor Heinicke, who signed a two-year deal as a free agent this offseason, says his role is to be Ridders backup.___AP NFL: and in this topic
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