Bijan Robinson could be the next Barry Sanders in Detroit
The Detroit Lions have had a tumultuous few years, with an ever-changing roster and inconsistent play on the field. As they prepare for the upcoming NFL draft, many experts are predicting that they may look to add a talented running back to their roster with the 18th overall pick. One player who has been generating a lot of buzz in this regard is Bijan Robinson, the five-star high school recruit who has been tearing up the college football landscape for the Texas Longhorns.
Robinson has been a force to be reckoned with during his time in college, demonstrating impressive skills both as a runner and as a receiver. Despite limited snaps as a receiver, he has shown that he has the potential to be a dual-threat back at the next level, with an impressive 2.14 yards per route when split out wide. Additionally, his 92.0 rushing grade this season is the second-best in the entire FBS, a testament to his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss.
One of the most impressive things about Robinson is his ability to break tackles. This season, he has already broken 65 tackles, which is 10 more than any other player in college football. His 39% career forced missed tackle rate is also tied for the best in the PFF College era, putting him in the same conversation as Javonte Williams, who was recently drafted in the second round by the Denver Broncos.
It's not just his physical abilities that make Robinson an intriguing prospect, though. He's also a student of the game, and has cited Barry Sanders as one of his biggest inspirations. In fact, he watches film of Sanders every other day, trying to learn from the Hall of Famer's legendary moves and footwork. This kind of dedication and passion is exactly what coaches and scouts look for in a player, and could be a strong indicator of Robinson's potential to excel at the next level.
Of course, there are always risks associated with drafting a running back in the first round, especially given the physical toll that the position takes on players. But if the Lions are looking to add a talented young back to their roster, it's hard to imagine a better option than Robinson. With his impressive combination of size, speed, agility, and football IQ, he could be the next Barry Sanders for Detroit, and help lead the team back to relevance in the years to come.
