Bijan Robinson: Falcons will use me 'the right way'

Rookie running back Bijan Robinson has full confidence in the Atlanta Falcons utilizing him to his maximum potential.

Robinson, who the Falcons selected eighth overall, said Friday that he trusts head coach Arthur Smith will use him "the right way," according to ESPN's Harry Lyles Jr.

"He uses me everywhere, from receiver to running back," Robinson said about Smith. "He lets me do my abilities and skill set the right way, whether it's catching the ball, running routes, obviously running the football, blocking, and doing it all."

The Texas product took the field for the Falcons' first day of rookie minicamp Friday donning the No. 7. Robinson, who pointed to his faith as a reason for the number, said he reached out to former Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick and current kicker Younghoe Koo about taking the number. Vick famously wore No. 7 during his stint with the organization, while Koo was its most recent holder.

"It's big because there's legendary dudes in this program that have worn it the right way. If I can just carry it on, that would be more of a blessing," Bijan said, according to team reporter Kobe Scales.

Robinson entered the 2023 NFL Draft as one of the most promising running back prospects in recent years. He accumulated 3,410 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns in college. He also added 805 receiving yards and eight scores through the air.

Robinson joins a Falcons running back room that also features Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson, among others. A fifth-round pick in 2022, Allgeier rushed for 1,035 yards in his rookie season.