Author: Monojit Mandal
The New England Patriots are looking for a way to reconcile quarterback Mac Jones’ strained relationship with head coach Bill Belichick. Belichick is reportedly looking at Texas running back Bijan Robinson to improve the team’s offense as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches. Despite having six running backs on the roster, Belichick sees Robinson as the missing element to take some of the load off Jones. Throughout his three years at the University of Texas-Austin, Robinson established himself as one of the best running back prospects in the country.
Robinson averaged 8.2 yards per rush as a freshman, the third best in 2020 and the best among rookies. He was also named MVP of the Alamo Bowl, after rushing for 183 yards and a touchdown. Robinson surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his second season, and had a career-high 26 receptions and four receiving touchdowns. As a freshman, he set career records for rushing yards (1,580), touchdowns (18) and receiving yards (314). Robinson was chosen for the All-American team and received the Doak Walker Trophy.
Robinson’s statistics show that he is one of the best university defenders in recent memory. In the last two seasons, he has prevented 17.4% of tackle attempts, the second highest percentage among Defensive Tackles. He was eighth in the league in broken tackle rate and tenth in rushing yards added after first contact. Robinson has also caught 45 passes for 609 yards and 6 touchdowns in the last 2 seasons, ranking 13th among players with more than 200 rushes.
Despite his heavy workload, Robinson carried the ball at least 20 times in nine separate matches last season. It remains to be seen whether Belichick will part with most of his current running backs to sign Robinson, but the possibility is undeniably attractive. The Patriots’ offense could become a force to be reckoned with next season due to Robinson’s skill set.