The 2023 NFL Draft process is well underway, and with it, it’s time to look at one of the best talents in this class. Texas RB Bijan Robinson, who is predicted to be the top running back off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft, is a player that many teams will likely target. In last year’s NFL Draft, we didn’t see a running back come off the board on day one. However, that’s likely to change this season. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown Bijan Robinson, as well as a predicted 40 time, injury history, full scouting report, and player comparison.
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Bijan Robinson 40 Time
I predict that Texas RB Bijan Robinson will run a 4.46 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine in March. This would be a good time when compared to the league average for the NFL. On game film, Robinson displays a good second gear to burst through holes at all levels of the field.
Bijan Robinson Injury History
Throughout his collegiate career, Bijan Robinson has seen several injuries. He missed this year’s Alamo Bowl due to a an elbow injury. Last season, he suffered a scary looking injury, which was later classified as a neck strain against Iowa State. Bijan Robinson should be medically cleared at the 2023 NFL Combine, but some teams might be scared away by some of the injuries that he’s suffered.
Bijan Robinson Scouting Report
Pros
- Some Of The Best Contact Balance In This Draft Class
- Relentless Runner That Isn’t Afraid To Attack Defenders And Fight For Additional Yardage
- Displays Good Patience To Let Plays Develop Before Attacking Holes
Cons
- Needs To Show Improvement In Pass Protection
- Average Ball Security
- Appears Disinterested When He’s Not The Intended Target
Bijan Robinson is a three-year contributor at running back for the University of Texas Longhorns. Robinson has showed consistent improvement throughout his career, culminating with the 2022 Doak Walker award, which honor’s the nation’s top college running back. Many draft analysts predict that Bijan Robinson will be the first running back off the board during the 2023 NFL Draft. He possesses good height and solid weight for the running back position in the NFL. His predicted 40 time of 4.46 is good when compared to the league average.
Robinson displays a good ability to find the open hole and attack quickly. Has good patience to let blocks develop before exploding through them. Shows a good second hear to burst through open holes at the second-level. He has a good suddenness to bounce runs outside and pickup positive yardage at the point of attack. He’s able to change direction quickly and with relative ease. Displays a very good ability to remain upright though contact. Features a good ability to make defenders miss in space. Robinson is relentless when it comes to fighting for additional yardage with defenders nearby.
He has a tendency to rely too heavily on cutbacks at the line of scrimmage, resulting in negative yards. When he isn’t the intended target, his routes, as well as his interest, are significantly impacted. The ball has a tendency to stray away from his body when in traffic, resulting in several fumbles throughout his career. As a blocker, he has an adequate ability to absorb contact and recover quickly. I’d like to see him play more aggressively to attack the defender and establish leverage. He will utilize sloppy technique when executing blocks, resulting in negative situations.
Bijan Robinson Player Comparison
My player comparison for Bijan Robinson in the 2023 NFL Draft is David Johnson. Johnson was a draft prospect out of the University of Northern Iowa, and was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The height and weight numbers match for both players, as does the playing style. Following a five-year stint with the Cardinals, Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans. He spent last season with the New Orleans Saints.
