Football teams generally need to run the ball to be successful. However, NFL franchises are reluctant to spend high draft picks on running backs because they have limited mileage before the tread wears out and a replacement is needed.
That brings us to Texas All-American Bijan Robinson, the consensus best running back in this year’s draft class. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards (sixth in the nation, 6.1 per carry) and 18 touchdowns last season.
The consensus among mock drafts is that Robinson will be selected in the late first round or later. The latest FOX Sports mock has Robinson going to the Buffalo Bills with the No. 27 pick.
To break down where the star running back will land in the draft from a betting perspective, we spoke with FOX Bet.
[RELATED: Joel Klatt’s mock draft]
Over/Under for Robinson’s Draft Position: 25.5
FOX betting operations associate Matthew Griffe said if he had to set a projected draft line for Robinson, he’d go with a hypothetical Over/Under number of 25.5.
“Robinson is one of the few top-tier talents in this year’s NFL Draft,” Griffe said. “The problem, of course, is that he plays a position with low relative value, and NFL teams are looking to spend their draft capital on premium positions.
“Bijan can take an already potent offense and add a home run hitter who possesses speed and power.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Bijan Robinson: Top 10 Picks in 2023 NFL Draft
Joel Klatt explained his first mock draft for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Who was the last running back to be the top pick? Penn State’s Ki-Jana Carter for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1995. Carter is a cautionary tale about why teams don’t take running backs with high picks: He tore a knee ligament on the third carry of his first game of preseason He missed the entire 1995 season and finished his career with 1,144 rushing yards in 59 games.
If you want to get in on the NFL Draft action, head over to FOX Bet!
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