FLOWERY BRANCH — Here are some of the grades the Falcons received after drafting Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick:
Falcons grade: A “… Bijan Robinson may have been the only true clean blue-chip prospect in this draft. He was the No. 1 player on our big board and is one of the best running back prospects of this generation. He is a blend of smooth elusiveness and power…On top of that, he has a clean injury history and top-notch personal and football character.”
--The33rdTeam.com scouting department
Falcons grade: C. “They had some more pressing needs that could have been taken care of this year. The Falcons are almost the test case for why running backs aren’t necessary at this point in the draft ... but there is no debating Robinson’s talent as an elite player.” (He gave the Eagles an A-plus for taking Jalen Carter.)
--Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports
Falcons grade: A. “The Falcons ignored analytics and took the most dynamic playmaker in the draft to plug into coach Arthur Smith’s offense. Yes, Robinson plays running back, but he’s the complete package as a productive pass catcher, stout blocker and home-run threat in the running game. The Falcons now have a standout offensive trio with Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.”
--Sports Illustrated
Falcons grade: D “This is way too high for a back, even if he’s a really good player. Backs don’t decide Super Bowls. I know Arthur Smith loves backs, but this is a deep draft of backs, and history isn’t kind to this type of move. I don’t like it because of position value. Good player, bad position.”
-- Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Falcons grade: B-plus. “For a team that still has needs remaining at positions like offensive line, cornerback, and edge rusher, there is a positional value counter-argument to make here. But Robinson is a truly uncommon RB prospect. … Robinson has the size, physicality, and contact balance to be a workhorse at the NFL level. But he also has hyper-elite control in tight spaces, with his combined short-area athleticism, flexibility, processing ability, and creative instincts. He can put defenders on a string before driving through tackles, and he’s also a high-level receiving threat.”
--Pro Football Network
AJC’S 2023 POSITION-BY-POSITION DRAFT SERIES
WIDE RECEIVERS – Past few drafts have spoiled NFL teams looking for wide receivers | Top 10 WRs
RUNNING BACKS – Running backs Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs may have to wait to hear their names called | Top 10 RBs
TIGHT ENDS – Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer heads a dee TE class | Top 10 TEs
QUARTERBACKS – Bryce Young’s small stature no longer an issue in the NFL | Top 10 QBs
OFFENSIVE LINE – Skoronski’s short arm length being scrutinized for left tackle | Top 5 C,G, &OTs
DEFENSIVE LINE – Is Jalen Carter the real deal or a potential bust? | Top 5 DTs, DEs
LINEBACKERS – Dutchtown’s Will Anderson expected to go in the top 5 of NFL draft | Top LBs
CORNERBACKS – Former Georgia standout Kelee Ringo one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL draft | Top CBs
SAFETIES – Alabama’s Brian Branch, Jordan Battle are top safeties in the NFL draft | Top FS/SS
SPECIAL TEAMS – Michigan’s Jake Moody hopes to kick way to NFL draft | Top STs
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