If you’re a Chicago Bears fan who doesn’t believe running backs — including Texas star Bijan Robinson — belong in the first round of the NFL Draft, you’ll want to look away.
In the latest 2023 NFL mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, the Bears select Robinson at No. 9. It would qualify as one of the biggest surprise selections in the first round, but it shouldn’t be completely dismissed as a possibility.
“I don’t blame teams avoiding running backs in the top 10 because of how many injuries occur at the position — but the Bears could make an exception for Robinson,” NFL.com’s Chad Reuter wrote. “His combination of power, speed, shiftiness and receiving ability make him a potential star in the Christian McCaffrey mold. Signing D’Onta Foreman does not take the Bears out of the running for this all-around offensive threat.”
Look, I get it. The Chicago Bears have bigger needs at offensive tackle and the defensive line, but if GM Ryan Poles stays true to his board, he may have no choice but to give long and hard consideration to Bijan Robinson. He could be the best player available when Chicago is on the clock.
Bijan Robinson is more than just a running back
Robinson is the most dynamic offensive weapon in the 2023 NFL Draft. In fact, he’s the most dynamic offensive weapon available to any team this off-season. Cut from the same mold as Saquon Barkley, Robinson would not only level up the Bears’ running game, but he’d also give QB Justin Fields an elite target out of the backfield.
Robinson set career highs across the board in 2022. He ran the ball 258 times for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 314 receiving yards and two scores through the air. He checked all the boxes at the NFL Combine, measuring 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds and running a 4.46 40-yard dash. His jumps were great, too.
Simply put, there’s nothing not to like about Bijan Robinson except his positional value.
The Chicago Bears already have running backs Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman on the depth chart. They’ll be a fine 1-2 punch. There’s a good chance Foreman will be an upgrade over David Montgomery’s 2022 production, and with more touches, Herbert could ascend into the upper class of NFL running backs.
But neither veteran offers the upside Robinson has. He’ll be one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL on Day 1 of his career. Pairing him with Fields in the Chicago Bears backfield would be unfair.
All that said, it’s highly unlikely Ryan Poles pulls the trigger on Bijan Robinson. He’s a traditional football guy who values premium positions. Running back isn’t one of them. Instead, it’s more likely the Bears will focus on the offensive line or a pass rusher with the ninth pick.
