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The Falcons’ rushing attack wasn’t an area of major concern a season ago, but that didn’t stop the team from adding explosive running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
The rookie will join a crowded Atlanta backfield that already features a 1,000-yard rusher in Tyler Allgeier and the ultra-versatile Cordarrelle Patterson. While it’s unknown who will get the most usage early on, Robinson is expected to play a big role this season.
On Wednesday, Falcons second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder was featured on ESPN to talk about what Robinson brings to the team. Ridder complimented the rookie’s explosiveness, as you can see below.
Falcons QB @desmondridder spoke about Atlanta’s young core on NFL Live
“[Bijan Robinson’s] explosiveness. You obviously see it on his film from Texas … his ability to play anywhere and do anything is just really huge.” pic.twitter.com/syqeVhinir
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 18, 2023
“Just his explosiveness,” said Ridder. “You obviously see it on his film from Texas, but just seeing it in person — we don’t have the pads on yet, so we’ll see what he’s like when we get the pads on. But just being out there during OTAs, his ability to be anywhere and play anything is really huge.”
Additionally, Ridder noted that he was working on developing a better connection with pass catchers Drake London and Kyle Pitts. London and Ridder played together during the final four games in 2022, but Pitts was out for the season by the time Ridder was named the starting QB.
“Keep developing that relationship with Drake and obviously build that relationship with Kyle,” said Ridder. “Whether it’s playing golf on the weekends or actually being out there and working on our crafts together, and just growing that connection on and off the field.”