Bijan Robinson has watched highlights of Barry Sanders
Without question, Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson is the top draft prospect at his position.
According to Sports Illustrated, “Robinson is the best running back prospect in this class, and many scouts believe it’s not close. A tackle-breaking machine at Texas, he compiled 1,894 scrimmage yards (1,580 on the ground) and scored 20 times in his final collegiate season. He’d be a fantastic fit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of the first round.”
Speaking with reporters at the Combine, the talented running back expressed he has watched highlights of Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders every other day trying to emulate the game of the ex-Lion great.
“I watch him probably every other day,” Robinson said. “I’m always trying to mimic his moves. He was so good at doing the things you couldn’t do. He was just the guy where every single time he touched the ball, you were just standing up trying to see what he would do.”
Part of what makes Robinson stand out on film is his ability to elude tackles and break away from defenders with sheer strength and power.
“Well, for me, I think that it is a gift from from God. But you obviously have to work on it every single day,” said Robinson. “I think that, for me, I’m a knee-bender when I run the ball. Another. guy that was a knee-bender was Barry Sanders. To try to redirect and be as low to the ground as you can.
“Understand that you got to feel defenders and read their shoulders and read angles to break as many tackles as you can to try to get north and south,” Robinson continued. “So for me, I take pride in that. I do so many drills with my (position) coach back at Texas. Coach (Tashard) Choice. He really implements that a lot in all of our drills. And sometimes it’s really tough. But you know, in the games, they really pay off a lot.”
Currently, Robinson is projected to be a firstround pick in this year’s draft.
The Lions possess pick No. 6 and No. 18 in this year’s draft.
D’Andre Swift is entering the final season of his rookie contract and Jamaal Williams is a free agent.
Craig Reynolds is an exclusive rights free agent who is likely to return on a veteran minimum, shortterm deal.