Bijan Robinson cites player intelligence as biggest change to NFL

Bijan Robinson had no issues adjusting to the NFL. In his rookie year, the Atlanta Falcons’ running back tallied 214 carries for 976 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, Robinson recorded 487 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.

Robinson’s 1,464 all-purpose yards were the 11th-most in the NFL last season. During an appearance on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Robinson revealed what the biggest adjustment for him was during his debut campaign.

“It wasn’t really the speed of the game because dudes are a little faster than college, but I think it was moreso like dudes are smarter,” Robinson said. “You’re not gonna see a lot of guys miss their gaps. You’re not gonna see a lot of guys under-pursue. Dudes are always chasing the ball somewhere, somehow.

“But, I think, when you get a grasp of it and understand it, then you’ll start to click. But, when you find your rhythm, then it’s like you’re playing college ball again.”

The league should be worried if Robinson can find the same comfort on the field he had in college. Over 12 games during his final season at Texas, Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards on 258 carries with 18 touchdowns. He also added 19 receptions for 314 yards and two scores.

For his efforts, he was named a unanimous All-American and the 2022 Doak Award winner, annually given to the top running back in college football. Robinson finished his illustrious career at UT with 3,410 total rushing yards, the fourth-most in school history.

Is Bijan Robinson even better in the NFL?

Perhaps the most impressive part of Robinson’s rookie season in the NFL was his ability to turn seemingly doomed plays into magic. Robinson notched 408 yards after contact last season, ranking No. 14 of all NFL running backs.

Robinson believes the increased defensive pressure in the NFL has only improved his ability to avoid being tackled.

“In college, I would bring out the shifts and stuff sometimes but like not a lot,” Robinson said. “In the NFL, It gives me way more freedom to do that. Because dudes are coming from different angles in different areas. You’re always trying to get yards.

“Somebody’s always right there. I get to, obviously, just slow the process down. I’ll feel a defender coming any which way and then I know I have to do something real quick because, if I don’t, they’re going to make a tackle.”