If there was one bright spot from the Atlanta Falcons’ disappointing 2024 season — besides the emergence of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. — it was the continued rise of Bijan Robinson as one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs.
Drafted No. 8 overall in 2023, Robinson was initially considered a reach by many — not because of his talent, but because of the declining value of the running back position. Yet the former Texas Longhorns standout has more than lived up to the billing, proving he was worthy of a top-10 pick even on a team that failed to meet expectations.
Robinson finished the 2024 season third in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,456 — trailing only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry — and fifth in rushing touchdowns with 15.
Needless to say, Robinson’s breakout sophomore campaign has sent a message across the league. He’s officially arrived. In fact, a new ESPN poll of league executives, coaches, and scouts ranked Robinson as the No. 4 running back in the NFL, per Jeremy Fowler.
“Robinson entered the league with considerable expectations and has largely met them,” Fowler wrote. “He's one of three players in NFL history to produce 2,400 rushing yards and 100 receptions in a player's first two seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Edgerrin James and LaDainian Tomlinson.”
Falcons writer Will McFadden emphasized how notable that company is.
“It’s apparent to anyone who has watched Robinson on a football field that he has rare gifts. Seeing his name alongside those two particular players helped cement the specific lineage Robinson might just belong to,” McFadden wrote. “Like Tomlinson and James before him, Robinson is a true all-purpose running back who threatens defenses in every imaginable way.”
Robinson appeared in the top three on half of the ballots submitted for ESPN’s rankings but ultimately landed at No. 4 — just behind Detroit Lions standout Jahmyr Gibbs. Still, his placement puts him ahead of proven stars like San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey (5th), Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs (6th), and Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor (7th).
“Size, speed, acceleration, pass game, value, breaks tackles, can hit home runs,” one NFL coordinator told Fowler. “He’s a nightmare to prepare for.”
With high expectations already mounting for Penix to lead Atlanta back to the postseason, Robinson may face just as much pressure — especially as the centerpiece of a Falcons offense looking to become one of the NFL’s best in 2025.
