Bijan Robinson, Texas Longhorns. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Here are three teams who should avoid selecting Texas star running back Bijan Robinson in the NFL Draft.
Although Bijan Robinson is an outstanding playmaker, the former Texas Longhorns tailback needs to go to the right team.
In the NFL Draft this month, Robinson could go as high as No. 6 to the Detroit Lions or as low as the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 28. While he would be an incredible get for the Bengals, he is coming off the board well before when they will be picking. Given the physical nature of the running back position, it has depreciated in value over the last two decades. Robinson should be a first-round pick, but fit will be everything.
While teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Chargers would be terrific landing spots for him, not every team potentially looking at a running back this spring is the right for him.
NFL rumors: 3 teams who should not draft Bijan Robinson despite obvious need
9
Chicago Bears
NFC North
Chicago Bears need to add more big uglies than reach on Bijan Robinson’s ability
Even if Robinson is seen as the most talented running to come out since Saquon Barkley, the Chicago Bears have more pressing issues to address than slightly reaching on a running back at No. 9. If the draft goes a certain direction, and they are comfortable with trading back once again, then Chicago would get slightly better value for him. The Bears should prioritize adding physicality.
In short, Robinson is a great player, but he feels like a tertiary need for the Bears at No. 9. I would prioritize getting a defensive lineman like Jalen Carter or a pass-rusher like Will Anderson Jr. should either elite prospect fall. If they don’t like what comes next in their particular position groups, then going with an offensive lineman like Paris Johnson Jr. or Peter Skoronski would be the right move.
While I anticipate the Bears being better in 2023, mostly because they could not be any worse, I would expect for general manager Ryan Poles to get head coach Matt Eberflus a defensive star to his liking. If both key pillars in the Bears organization think an offensive lineman is the way to go, then go in that direction. However, Chicago has more pressing needs than drafting a running back.
Robinson would do well in a Bears uniform, but the only way he gets to Chicago is with a later pick.