Atlanta Falcons: Is rookie Bijan Robinson a top 5 fantasy running back?

Explosive rookie Bijan Robinson is considered one of the best running back prospects in years. Should he already be treated as a top-five RB in fantasy football? 

The Atlanta Falcons made a statement when they selected running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

In recent years, it’s become overtly clear that NFL franchises have devalued the running back position. As major assets are dedicated to quarterback, offensive line and pass rush, running back becomes a position where many teams ‘go cheap.’ The position does not age well (see: Ezekiel Elliott) which scares teams from spending first-round draft picks on it.

But not the Atlanta Falcons.

Planting their flag on the eighth overall pick — ahead of major impact players like DT Jalen Carter, OL Peter Skoronski and edge rusher Lukas Van Ness — Robinson is immediately expected to be one of this season’s top options in fantasy football.

Exactly how high should Bijan Robinson be drafted in fantasy leagues?

In redraft leagues (starting from scratch with a new team each year), there are some stalwarts at the top of the running back position, including Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb.

Additionally, Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs are considered very strong selections at their position.

But after you consider the ‘obvious’ top two – McCaffrey and Ekeler, especially in PPR (points per reception) – the door is actually open to a realignment of elite selections.

Consider the case for Bijan: Coming into head coach Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offensive attack, Bijan can immediately be counted on for a monster offensive role. Fantasy projections are primarily volume-based, and there’s no question Bijan is going to be a workhorse for the Falcons.

Furthermore, Bijan is a two-way back: One who can rush and receive, a la McCaffrey, Ekeler and legends like Marshall Faulk and Arian Foster of the past. Defenses will have to be wary of Bijan’s explosive versatility, an attribute that will make him particularly difficult to prepare for from a strategic standpoint.

Another consideration here is age. At just 21 years young, Bijan offers youth at a position with a very short lifespan. Many running backs come and go within just four-to-six seasons in the NFL, so going with ‘fresh legs’ at fantasy RB is seemingly always a good idea. We know Bijan will be bouncy and ready to impress.

In the end, on a personal note, I’ll probably be taking Bijan around the RB5, with the potential to go as high as No. 3 behind McCaffrey and Ekeler, the safest picks at their position. Bijan Robinson looks to be one of the most explosive young players heading into the 2023 NFL season!