Will the departure of head coach Arthur Smith be the key to unlocking star running back Bijan Robinson?
Time will only tell, as the former eighth overall draft pick from the 2023 NFL Draft had his ups and downs. That could be mostly attributed to his usage, as the top ten drafted running back from Texas was used in a committee, rather than a featured role.
The 22-year-old fell way short of the coveted offensive Rookie of the Year award last year to the likes of C.J. Stroud, Puka Nacua, and Sam LaPorta. This was juxtaposed to fellow rookie running back from 2023 and 12th overall pick from Alabama Jahmyr Gibbs, as he finished with a better season but in a way better offensive environment.
But now with the addition of Zac Robinson as his offensive coordinator, the Falcons running back Robinson should now be unleashed.
Bijan Robinson 2023 Stats and Production
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In 2023, Bijan Robinson finished with 214 carries, 976 yards on the ground, 58 receptions, 487 yards, and eight total touchdowns. The highly touted running back couldn’t get the highly acclaimed 1,000 rushing yards his current teammate Tyler Allgeier surpassed the previous season.
Playing the full season, despite the weird concussion game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the rookie rusher did showcase his prowess as a receiver mostly but wasn’t given as many inside carries near the goal line. While Robinson had the stigma of being a fantasy disappointment as a rookie, there is a silver lining from his 2023 season.
In PPR, Robinson finished as the 12th overall back, and in half PPR, was the 9th overall back, cracking the top 10 according to FantasyPros. However, in standard, Gibbs was the 10th overall back and surpassed him as the 12th ranked running back due to the touchdowns. But now with an upgraded offense and new scheme, a top three or five finish is in the cards for Robinson.
Bijan Robinson 2024 Fantasy Outlook
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Bijan Robinson had his floor performance in 2023, as 2024 should have a way better outcome, barring any major injuries. That being said, he did have a minor ankle sprain in practice last month but should be 100% entering training camp, as the star participated in OTAs. Robinson should be a featured weapon in this novel offense under their new coordinator Robinson.
For 2024, the highly touted prospect has the 6th easiest schedule against running backs and is the 6th overall player based on his FantasyPros ADP. In all formats, he is usually the third overall running back behind Christian McCaffrey. The conversation between Robinson and Breece Hall will be close, as both will have new quarterbacks and more weapons around them this season.
Final Thoughts on Bijan Robinson
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Bijan Robinson should be a favorite check-down option or schemed-up target for new free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins in Atlanta. Drake London should also take another step forward with an improved offensive system, as Kyle Pitts could also be another benefactor of the change with the play calling.
Robinson is tied to the team’s success ultimately, as it will be interesting if the New York Jets can rival the Falcons in 2024. The Jets are getting back Aaron Rodgers from injury, as his involvement back in the lineup could change Hall’s outlook compared to Robinson with Cousins.
If this new scheme phases out Allgeier more and introduces more red zone looks for the former first-round running back, then Robinson could have way more upside than Hall and could potentially rival McCaffrey in San Francisco.
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