Bijan Robinson is widely considered the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. I’d go as far as to say Robinson is better than the former second-overall pick. His rare ability to consistently make a mountain out of a molehill has NFL scouts salivating. With the current state of the running back position in today’s NFL, Bijan Robinson will not be a top-five pick like Barkley was but will be drafted anywhere between 1.09 and 1.31.
Which team is best equipped to draft one of the league's best backs? Where will Bijan Robinson land?
Related: The teams Zareh Kantzabedian thinks are ideal spots for running back Jahmyr Gibbs >>>
Dallas Cowboys, Pick 26
2022 Offensive Scoring: 5th
First, let’s get everyone’s pipe dream out of the way. Many reputable mock drafts have Robinson landing with the Cowboys at pick 26. With the unceremonious release of long-time cornerstone Ezekiel Elliott and the application of the franchise tag to Tony Pollard, this marriage makes a ton of sense. The only issue is whether Dallas is willing to invest in a first-round back after the contract situation they just got out of with Elliott. Not to mention the fact that pick 26 puts them in prime territory to take a wide receiver which is one of their greatest positions of need.
For fantasy implications, this landing spot would be incredible. If Robinson is available in the late teens, it is likely a team would trade ahead of Dallas to acquire his rights. If he makes it to 26, it would be difficult for the Cowboys to pass on him, but that doesn’t make him a lock to join America’s team.
Tennessee Titans, Pick 11
2022 Offensive Scoring: 23rd
Thanks to the NFL’s recent devaluation of running backs, the Titans will likely get a shot at Robinson outside the top 10. What they may not have a shot at is an elite quarterback. Ryan Tannehill is in the last season of his contract, with no rumors of an extension. There are rumors, however, that the Titans may trade up to pick 3. With C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young likely to go one and two, there isn’t a quarterback worthy of the third spot between Anthony Richardson and Will Levis.
It is far more likely the Titans plan for their future by drafting Robinson as their heir apparent to Derrick Henry at pick 11. This would allow Mike Vrable to maintain his physical style of offense past the resolution of Henry’s contract. It also makes life significantly easier for whatever quarterback they select in the 2024 draft.
Continue reading this content with a 100% free Insider subscription.
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football
only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE