Getty Image / Scott Winters
A couple of weeks ago, the Atlanta Falcons made Bijan Robinson the first running back off the board at this year’s NFL Draft when they selected him 8th overall.
While he was drafted to be their star running back, it looks like that isn’t the only way the Falcons are planning to use him.
Today, he was spotted at practice lining up at wide receiver.
#7 is working! pic.twitter.com/VggNqYPv1w
— Red Stallions (@AtlantaFalcons) May 12, 2023
Yesterday, Robinson actually mentioned that he trusts the Falcons to use him the right way, including as a receiver.
“He uses me everywhere, from receiver to running back,” Robinson said, via ESPN. “He lets me do my abilities and skill set the right way, whether it’s catching the ball, running routes, obviously running the football, blocking and doing it all.”
Fantasy players are likely salivating as they watch Robinson catching passes, but it isn’t a surprise that the Falcons would want to give him plenty of touches in the passing game.
While it is his unbelievable rushing ability that got most of the attention while he was at Texas and heading into the draft, he is also a talented receiver out of the backfield.
Over his 3 seasons with the Longhorns, Robinson made 60 catches for 805 yards and 8 touchdowns.
With the Falcons featuring a young quarterback who was limited as a passer in his rookie season, short throws to Robinson can be a very valuable part of the team’s offense in 2023.
This could also be a good way to take advantage of the fact that they have a pair of talented running backs on the roster now. Tyler Allgeier ran for 1000 yards as a rookie last season and having Robinson line up out wide would allow the Falcons to get both players on the field together.
The Atlanta Falcons certainly didn’t select Bijan Robinson 8th overall in the NFL Draft because they want to use him sparingly and we should expect to see get as many touches as possible during the 2023 season.