3 pros and cons to the Commanders drafting Bijan Robinson in 2023
By Dean Jones
What are some pros and cons to the Washington Commanders drafting Bijan Robinson at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft?
There is a consensus that the Washington Commanders will focus on two specific positions at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Those in power are projected to either strengthen their offensive line or examine the possibility of finding a gifted cornerback with shutdown potential.
The Commanders couldn’t go wrong with either looking at their current roster state. However, there is one potential wildcard that seems to be gathering steam after head coach Ron Rivera stated he was looking at taking the best player available.
Bijan Robinson is the best running back prospect in this class. He has an All-Pro upside and generational ceiling, but position value could see the former Texas stud slip down the pecking order when push comes to shove.
It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if the Commanders went in this direction. With this in mind, here are three pros and cons to the possibility.
Pro No. 1
Commanders would get an elite talent
This has nothing to do with Bijan Robinson’s talent. The prospect is arguably the most gifted overall athlete emanating from the college level in 2023 and with a smooth transition could be in Pro Bowl contention as a rookie.
Robinson is a three-down presence that has elite-level explosiveness and physicality in equal measure. His slick route-running makes him a threat in the passing game and his blocking is another overlooked area of the player’s game that cannot be dismissed.
It’s not hard to see why many Washington Commanders fans are infatuated with the possibility of bringing Robinson into the fold. Slotting such a dynamic playmaker into Eric Bieniemy’s offense comes with endless potential and could make things easier for either Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett depending on who wins the starting quarterback job.