NFL.com projects Bijan Robinson's rookie stats

NFL.com has gamed out some of the best- and worst-case scenarios for some of the top rookies from the 2023 NFL Draft, with draft analyst Chad Reuter outlining different outcomes. The outlook on former Texas running back Bijan Robinson is exceedingly positive.

Robinson was a multi-year star at Texas and has already dazzled some in the preseason, picking up right where he left off in college.

So what’s the best case for Robinson in 2023?

“Robinson is the centerpiece of the offense and takes pressure off second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder,” Reuter wrote. “He earns the majority of carries behind a good offensive line and gets a few shots each game as a receiver out of the backfield, using his vision and agility in the open field.”

Robinson flashed his versatility as a pass-catcher while at Texas, racking up 60 career catches for 805 yards and eight touchdowns across three seasons of action.

That kind of ability will get him a definite look as a three-down back in the NFL, which is one of the reasons the Falcons drafted Robinson up at No. 8 overall.

So what about the worst-case scenario for Robinson?

“Robinson struggles and the team’s leading rusher in 2022, Tyler Allgeier, plays a larger-than-expected role, along with veteran Cordarrelle Patterson,” Reuter wrote.

But based on Reuter’s projected stats for Robinson as a rookie, it’s safe to say he believes Robinson will come out toward the positive end of the projections.

Reuter has Bijan Robinson accounting for 225 carries for 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also recording 50 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns. That would be quite the rookie season and would presumably put Robinson in the running for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The former Texas star is no stranger to receiving those types of accolades.

He won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back during his junior season in 2022, racking up 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground, as well as 314 yards and two touchdowns receiving.

He was also a unanimous All-American in 2022 and was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in both 2021 and 2022.