Falcons Have Elite RB Group and Potential MVP Candidate

The Atlanta Falcons selected University of Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was highly touted by many as a talented back who could play all three downs. However, there were plenty of observers who wondered why a middle-of-the-road team would add a running back that high in the draft when there are plenty of other productive backs that can be acquired with less resources.

So far, the Falcons are winning on the decision to take Robinson. And, Pro Football Network has identified the third-year RB as the most likely Falcon to win the NFL MVP award in 2025.

“Despite it typically being a quarterback award, a running back has won NFL MVP 18 times, with the most recent being Adrian Peterson in 2012,” PFN writes. “And while still unlikely, Bijan Robinson has the best chance of any Atlanta Falcons player to take it home.

“Robinson is only 23, but he’s already established himself as one of the most complete backs in the NFL. The former Texas Longhorn enjoyed a breakout sophomore season after being underused as a rookie, rushing for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns and catching 61 passes for 431 yards.”

That’s a monster season and even dwarfs the amazing year that Jonathan Taylor had with the Indianapolis Colts.

Bijan will play a huge role in the Falcons’ success

It’s tough to imagine the Falcons having a successful season and making the playoffs without Robinson playing a major role. He is quite literally the straw that stirs the proverbial drink.

“Robinson averaged 21.5 touches per game last season, ranking fourth among all NFL backs — behind only Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Kyren Williams,” PFN continues. “The Falcons’ offense runs through Robinson and his dynamic ability on the ground and through the air.

“If Michael Penix Jr. can take a step forward in his first season as the full-time starter and Atlanta wins the NFC South, Robinson will have played a major role.”

If it’s just stats, Robinson would probably have a better chance as a running back to win the MVP in 2025 over Barkley, because Barkley is coming off of an extremely high workload. Not only did the Eagles lean on him heavily throughout the regular season (minus his one rest game), he also played in four playoff games. Running backs usually have a down year following a season of heavy usage.

But, if wins and losses get factored in to that equation (and they will), then…sorry, Bijan.

PFF ranks the entire Falcons’ running back room very high

For Atlanta, it’s not just Robinson when it comes to their stable of running backs. Sure, he’s their horse, but Pro Football Focus notes that the Falcons have an impressive running back room overall.

“Atlanta boasts one of the league’s elite running back duos with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier,” writes PFF’s Dalton Wasserman. “Robinson was the league’s second-highest-graded running back last season (92.8 PFF rushing grade). His receiving ability also sets him apart, as his 82.2 PFF receiving grade ranked fourth among qualified backs.”

PFF gave the Falcons running backs the No. 3-overall ranking in the NFL behind the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions.

“Allgeier posted an outstanding 85.7 PFF rushing grade, though that was earned across just 137 carries,” Wasserman concludes. “There isn’t much to speak of beyond those two. Third-stringer Jase McClellan garnered only 13 carries last season and was just waived so the team could make room for UFL star Jashaun Corbin, but the pairing of Robinson and Allgeier is elite.”