Atlanta Falcons leave holes open with selection of Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson is one of the best prospects in this year's draft, but a head-scratching pick for the Atlanta Falcons.

Despite having legitimate concerns along the defensive line, Atlanta elected to go after a luxury rather than a necessity with the No. 8 pick.

The Falcons finished second-to-last in the league in sacks (21) in 2022 and while they have added some nice pieces on defense this offseason, they could have benefited from drafting a player like Georgia DT Jalen Carter or even Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez. Having better players in the secondary would only give Falcons pass rushers more time to get to quarterbacks.

This marks the third consecutive season Atlanta has gone with a skill-position option in the first round and the sixth time in the past seven drafts that they have taken that path. Last April, the organization drafted USC WR Drake London, also at the No. 8 pick. And in 2021, they selected Florida TE Kyle Pitts fourth overall.

The team also selected running back Tyler Allgeier in the fifth round (151st overall) last spring. He finished the season with 210 carries, 1,035 yards and three touchdowns.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith had plenty of success as offensive coordinator with the Titans and Derrick Henry and if there is one running back in this class that has a chance to carve out an NFL career like Henry, it is probably Robinson.

But the pick also accelerates the team's timeline, putting significant pressure on second-year QB Desmond Ridder to make a big leap come the fall. 

One reason people give against drafting running backs in the first round is their relatively short shelf lives compared to players at other positions. If Ridder struggles and Atlanta becomes bogged down in mediocrity, the franchise risks wasting some of Robinson's finite amount of time as an elite runner.

The Falcons made a move usually reserved for teams that are a player or two away from contending for a title. Atlanta is not quite there yet but is acting as though it is at the door.

Robinson is fast. His new team had best keep up.