Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson 2023 Fantasy Football Rookie Profile

Overview

Bijan Robinson is a junior running back prospect from the University of Texas. He was a three-year starter for the Longhorns and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back following his 2022 campaign. 

As a freshman in 2020, Robinson totaled 703 rushing yards on 86 carries, averaging an impressive 8.2 Yards Per Carry (YPC). He followed that up with 1,127 rushing yards in his sophomore season. His junior year was his most productive as Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards, finishing sixth in rushing yardage in the country.

Robinson scored 20 total touchdowns this final year at Texas. He caught 19 passes for 314 yards. He left Austin as the fourth leading rusher in school history, just behind the legendary Earl Campbell. His 41 career total touchdowns topped Campbell’s total by one. By all measurements, Robinson is one of the most-decorated backs in school history.

Pros

• Three-down back with outstanding skills
• Excellent balance after contact
• Possesses burst and elite speed
• Size and athleticism
• Soft hands as a receiver
• Excellent field vision

Cons

• Needs improvement in pass protection
• Tends to move laterally instead of getting upfield
• Pad level is too high at times

Bijan Robinson Player Comparison

Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)

Like Saquon Barkley, Robinson is a do-it-all type of back. He is dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield, and he is a threat to make a big play at any moment. He possesses similar size to Barkley and has the build to take the punishment that life as an NFL workhorse runner will dish out.

Robinson sees the field very well as a runner, leading to massive gains. He is difficult to bring down due to his outstanding balance. As with many high-volume rushers, Robinson seems to get stronger as the game goes on. He will command a healthy rushing workload as an NFL player.

Bijan Robinson Fantasy Football Projection

Robinson is likely to be a first-day selection in the NFL Draft despite running backs being infrequently selected in the first round anymore. He figures to be the lead back for whichever team is fortunate enough to select him. Robinson’s volume will translate into immediate fantasy production. His elusiveness will result in numerous broken tackles to push his rushing totals even higher. He checks all the boxes to be an elite rusher in the NFL.

Robinson will likely be drafted in redraft formats before the end of the third round and could creep up higher depending on preseason buzz. He will provide added production in Points Per Reception (PPR) scoring due to his skill as a route runner and his reliable hands as a receiver. In dynasty formats, Robinson figures to be taken as the first pick in nearly every rookie draft. If you hope to roster him, you will need to hold the top spot. Having just turned age 21 at the end of January, Robinson is a relatively young NFL prospect and, therefore, should be a fantasy asset for many years to come.

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