Offensively, the Atlanta Falcons were pretty good in 2024, ranking No. 6 overall in the entire NFL in total offense. So, how does a team that’s so good on offense end up 8-9 and out of the playoffs? Well, you finish 23rd in the league in defense and never get to the quarterback, that should do it.
One of the biggest bright spots on offense is running back Bijan Robinson. He exploded in 2024 and, according to a recently compiled list from ESPN, NFL circles have taken notice. Robinson was No. 4 on the Worldwide Leader’s “Execs, coaches, scouts rank NFL’s top 10 running backs for 2025” list.
“After spotty usage in his rookie year, Robinson earned primary back status in 2024,” Jeremy Fowler writes. “It’s no surprise that his game subsequently took off with 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns on 304 carries.”
Entering his third NFL season, Robinson has been productive so far (even when they mind-blowingly remove him from games at times inside the 20-yard line).
“Robinson entered the league with considerable expectations and has largely met them,” Fowler continues. “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.”
Robinson terrifies defensive coordinators
It’s one thing to put up great stats, which Robinson surely has. It’s another when your mere presence keeps opposing defensive coordinators up at night.
“Size, speed, acceleration, pass game, value, breaks tackles, can hit home runs,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s a nightmare to prepare for.”
According to this coordinator, Robinson checks all the boxes. Although even Robinson himself will tell you that needs more of the home runs.
“We’re done with 30-yard runs and all that stuff,” Robinson said in early June. “Now it’s time to get those 60 yards, 50 yards. So, I’ve been doing a lot more explosive drills. I’ve been doing a lot more running — 100 yards, like sprinting — so we can be prepared for, God willing, when those moments come in all the games.”
Look out if that happens.
Why are people comparing Robinson to Jahmyr Gibbs?
Fans of the Falcons and the Detroit Lions are taking notice of the fact that Detroit Lions‘ running back Jahmyr Gibbs is ranked No. 3 on this list, one spot ahead of Robinson. They are both excellent backs, so why does it matter who ranks ahead of the other?
Simply put, they were taken high in the same 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson went No. 8 and Gibbs was picked up by the Lions with the twelfth selection.
“Robinson was voted among the top three on half the running back ballots cast for these rankings, but fell just short of Gibbs,” Fowler writes.
There really isn’t much difference in production, both teams are happy with their picks, but it’s something interesting to keep an eye on. As for production or numbers, Fowler says you’re fine to go ahead and take Robinson towards the top of your fantasy football draft.
“His 365 touches last year ranked second behind Barkley (378),” he concludes. “Young Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will need similar reliability in 2025. Given all this, Robinson is totally justifiable as a No. 1 or No. 2 pick in fantasy drafts.”
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