Texas running back Bijan Robinson Aaron Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Top RB prospect provides eye-opening quote as NFL Draft nears

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 4/25/23

Outside of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft, former Texas running back Bijan Robinson continues to make the most headlines.

Robinson is considered a generational talent at this position and could find himself as a top-10 pick once the draft gets going in Kansas City on Thursday.

The talented youngster also took very few visits during the pre-draft process, a clear indication that teams already know what they are going to get from the back.

In an appearance on ESPN’s "NFL Live" roughly 48 hours before the draft, Robinson was asked what quarterback he’d most like to play with. His response? Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts. Robinson also detailed how his visit with the defending NFC champs went.

“I mean, it was great. Both teams I met with," Robinson said. "The relationship with the coaches. The support staff. The GM. Even the janitor. The janitor was cool, too. Awesome visit. And for me, I pride myself on relationships and building those relationships.”

Robinson only met with two teams in person. In addition to the Eagles, he also met with conference-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though, the former Texas star noted that he met with several teams on Zoom.

Philadelphia let leading rusher Miles Sanders leave for the Carolina Panthers rather than match the four-year, $25 million offer he received from the NFC South team.

It then signed former Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny on the cheap. He’ll presumably team up with holdovers Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott in a committee for the Eagles next season.

All of this seems to suggest that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman doesn’t necessarily value running backs at a high clip.

Despite this, there is increasing buzz that Philadelphia could very well take Robinson with the 10th pick in the NFL Draft. It acquired said selection during a draft day trade with the New Orleans Saints last spring. Philly also boasts its original first-round pick (30th overall).

It goes without saying that adding Robinson to the mix with the recently extended Hurts would create a dynamic backfield in Philadelphia. Add in wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and that would be magnified further.

Robinson tallied 1,894 total yards and 20 touchdowns at a clip of 6.8 yards per rush for Texas a season ago. He’s right up there with Adrian Peterson, Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley as one of the top running back prospects of the modern era.

It’s now all about how teams, including the Eagles, value running backs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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