A pair of mock drafts push Bijan Robinson into the top 10

One team is going to be thrilled with Bijan.

In the modern NFL, running backs’ value has depreciated. Teams no longer want to spend a premium pick on running backs over the years with the exception of Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys), and Leonard Fournette (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Fournette was waived prior to the end of his rookie deal and eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This offseason, both Fournette and Elliott were released after being drafted No. 4 overall in the 2016 and 2017 NFL drafts. Barkley was drafted No. 2 overall in 2018 and recently signed a one-year deal to remain with the team that drafted him.

Could we see another outlier with Texas Longhorns star runner, Bijan Robinson? A pair of mock drafts on the USA TODAY Sports Network has projected him to be a top 10 selection.

Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports projected him to land with the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 10 overall, the pick traded to the Eagles from New Orleans.

Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

What Davis Says…

A three-down back with his talent and speed – Robinson clocked a 4.46 40 at the combine while showing off velvety soft hands – would have been a surefire top-five selection 20 years ago … but might still be the first top-10 RB since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Admittedly, taking Robinson here doesn’t seem like a typical move by Philly EVP/GM Howie Roseman, who frequently opts for linemen atop the board. But does it really feel like RBs Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott and (oft-injured) Rashaad Penny are going to offset the loss of departed Miles Sanders? The NFC champs very much seem to be in their championship window, and a team that ran the ball more than any club in the NFL save two could very much use a bell cow who had more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage over the past two seasons while averaging 6.7 yards per touch for at least the next four or five years. Robinson could well be the missing Lombardi piece here. – Davis

Jeff Risdon of Draft Wire also projected Bijan to be among the top 10 selections but he has the former five-star signee landing in the Windy City.

Robinson might be the best offensive player in the draft, but teams don’t typically value RBs this highly. Bears GM Ryan Poles can risk it with the extra picks acquired from trading down from No. 1.

When it comes to Bijan Robinson, throw all the trends out the window. He just plays after a different level with excellent ball skills as a runner and receiver. Not to mention his contact balance stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Just don’t be shocked when he is among the top non-quarterbacks drafted in the 2023 NFL draft. For more on Bijan, check out Longhorns Wire.

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