Bijan Robinson started his road to the NFL early. At Salpointe Catholic High School in Tuscon, Arizona, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior year. Bijan rushed for 2,235 yards and 38 touchdowns that season. He earned a 5-star rating and committed to play at Texas.
As a freshman for the Longhorns in 2020, Robinson's running dominance continued to the tune of 8.2 YPC and an Alamo Bowl MVP title. He added over 400 rushing yards in his sophomore season, going over 100 rushing attempts. He also showed more in the passing game, nearly doubling his reception total from his freshman season. In the 2022 season, the Texas Longhorns fell short of expectations, but Robinson continued to excel. He recorded career highs in rushing attempts (258), rushing yards (1,580), rushing touchdowns (18), and receiving yards (314). Robinson's performance was so extraordinary that it earned him the Doak Walker Award, an award given to College Football's top running back. He was also named a unanimous All-American.
Bijan declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and there was speculation he would be one of the most highly drafted running backs since Saquon Barkley. The Atlanta Falcons selected Robinson with the eighth pick overall. NFL and fantasy analysts may debate the merits of drafting a running back so highly, but Robinson enters a fertile and productive rushing environment. The Falcons were No. 4 in the league in rush EPA, and No. 5 in the rushing Success Rate in 2022 - with lesser running back talent. Throw in his pass-catching prowess, and Bijan is nearing RB1 status in dynasty and will be highly drafted in redraft in his rookie season.
