Falcons Making Big Change to Help Bijan Robinson Explode in Year 2

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in hopes that he could provide some much-needed strength at the running back position. Robinson had a very respectable rookie season, bringing in 976 yards and four touchdowns, with a 4.6 yards per average on his carries.

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Many believed Robinson was underutilized, as he could have had an even better season. However, it appears the Falcons are preparing to make up for their presumed underutilization.

Robinson spoke to reports about the plan for the 2024 season, and the team is planning to recategorize his skillset.

Longtime NFL analyst Ari Meirov shared a video of Robinson speaking to reporters at the Falcons facility, where he gave insight on the plan for him in Year 2. Robinson stated, “I’m going to be more of a runner, that does everything else, like, not as much. I don’t know what the plan is, but it’s like running first like I did in college. And then still having that access to go to receiver, and still have access to do creative things in the backfield. More so like how they use Christian down there in San Francisco. Something like that.”

If there was anyone to model a running game off of, it would be Christian McCaffrey. He and the 49ers just agreed to a record-breaking contract extension, making him the highest-paid player at the position, with $19 million annually.

McCaffrey is a dual-threat and three-down back who can get chunk yardage while using his feet, and also catch passes and rack up yards after the catch. If Robinson can become anything like that, the Falcons will have a dangerous offense.

Robinson did nearly accomplish running for 1,000 yards in 2023, and also secured 487 yards receiving. It sounds like the team is planning to make him more of a three-down back, but also give him some freedom in terms of how his skillset can be used in more ways than one.

The Falcons did bring in Kirk Cousins, who should elevate their passing game in big ways. However, the wide receiver depth chart for the team does feel a bit shallow. No receiver eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving, but that could change completely with Cousins at the helm.

Drake London led the team in 2023 with 905 yards, followed by tight end Kyle Pitts with 667, and tight end Jonnu Smith with 582. Robinson was fourth in 2023 with 487 receiving yards.

The Falcons did pick up free-agent wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore, but more firepower might ultimately be needed. At the very least, this could be why Robinson might be used in the pass-catching game a bit more, as he also possesses a sought-after dual-threat skillset.