Teams terrified of Eagles taking Bijan Robinson
It’s apparently scary hours in the NFC.
A few teams are reportedly worried about the Eagles bolstering their offense with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, beginning Thursday in Kansas City.
Several NFC teams do not want Philadelphia to draft former Texas running back Bijan Robinson because they believe it would make the Eagles’ offense “beyond scary,” NFL Network’s James Palmer reported Monday.
“There are a lot of people around the league that believe this pick would change their offense… the thought around the league is this would be a very difficult offense to stop,” Palmer said.
Philadelphia, which holds the 10th and 30th overall picks in the draft as part of six total selections, is in need of a running back after letting Miles Sanders walk in the offseason.
During a Tuesday appearance on “NFL Live,” Robinson was asked which quarterback he would want to play with besides Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) — to which he replied with: Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles extended Hurts on a five-year contract worth $255 million with $179.3 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history, earlier this month.
Bijan Robinson of Texas participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Images
Robinson said during a Tuesday appearance on “NFL Now” that he got a good feel from his visits with both the Eagles and Buccaneers, who have the No. 19 overall pick.
“Coaches, to the GM, the janitor, the staff, everybody there was just amazing,” the All-American running back said about his visit with Philadelphia.
When asked about the possibility of going to the Falcons amid draft buzz, Robinson said he had an “awesome” visit with Atlanta.
“That’s a great organization [with] great coaches,” Robinson said. “… So I kind of see where that’s… headed at… But obviously, like I said, for me, we just don’t know… anything can happen.”
ESPN’s Jason Reid reported that many people around the NFL believe the 21-year-old Robinson could go No. 8 overall to the Falcons.
If Robinson lands with Philadelphia, he would instantly become the No. 1 option in the backfield.
Philadelphia already has Kenneth Gainwell at the position, who they “really do like,” Palmer said — as well as Rashaad Penny, who signed with the Eagles in March after struggling to stay healthy in Seattle.
Bijan Robinson of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Images
Last week, GM Howie Roseman said the Eagles want to hit on a unique talent in the draft who can make an impact right away, adding that Philadelphia wants be opened-minded with their No. 10 overall pick.
Robinson is widely considered to be the top running back in the draft class – and one of the most dynamic players regardless of position.
The 21-year-old totaled 1,894 scrimmage yards in 2022, and was named AP First Team All-American.
Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns runs between Brooks Miller #41 of the Baylor Bears and Devin Lemear #20 in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. Getty Images
Running back Bijan Robinson of Texas speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Images
The rival Cowboys — which could use Robinson in a dynamic pairing with running back Tony Pollard — are unlikely to make an “aggressive” trade-up to add the Texas product as Ezekiel Elliott’s replacement, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Source: New York Post
