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When NFL teams take a best-player-available approach to the draft, sometimes it means adding to a position of strength rather than addressing a need.
The Atlanta Falcons could have gone in any number of directions with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 draft, but they chose to add the top running back in the class to one of the league’s top rushing offenses.
Texas star Bijan Robinson was the first running back selected in the top ten since the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley in 2018. But what does Robinson’s presence mean for last year’s leading rusher, Tyler Allgeier?
The former fifth-round pick appears to be embracing Robinson’s arrival. Allgeier told FOX 5 Atlanta’s Kelly Price that he thinks the two can form a “Thunder and Lightning” dynamic in the Falcons’ backfield.
Tyler Allgeier already has a nickname for him and Bijan Robinson: "Thunder and lightning."
Says they FaceTimed soon after the #Falcons drafted Bijan.
"Obviously a great player on the field, but great player off the field. That's the biggest thing to me… It's exciting times." pic.twitter.com/6jhlzuwsRA
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) May 20, 2023
Allgeier knows better than anyone that there’s enough touches to go around in Arthur Smith’s offense. Despite being inactive for Week 1 of his rookie season, Allgeier still went over 1,000 yards rushing.
We also can’t forget about Cordarrelle Patterson, who deserves a raise for his free-agent recruiting abilities alone. On the field, Patterson’s versatility should help him remain a key part of Atlanta’s offense this season.
The Falcons invested major capital into their offensive line by re-signing Kaleb McGary and extending Chris Lindstrom over the offseason. Plus, the team moved up to select offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron in the second round of the draft.
While it’s clear Atlanta is planning to run the ball down its opponents’ throats, it will be interesting to see how the touches will be distributed in the team’s crowded backfield this season.
In the meantime, Robinson was spotted with Adele at the Lakers game over the weekend. Not bad for a rookie!
RB1 with Adele pic.twitter.com/OQqd80jG6Y
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) May 21, 2023
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