Brian Robinson Jr. | Alabama 6’2” 225 lbs. | 3/22/1999 (Age 23)
Brian Robinson Jr. was drafted with the 34th pick of the third round by the Washington Commanders, becoming the sixth running back and 98th overall player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
A top-100 recruit coming out of high school, Brian Robinson Jr. chose to attend Alabama and what was a loaded RB room. Robinson was a reserve player behind the likes of current NFL players Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris, and Najee Harris. In 2020, Robinson Jr. was the primary backup and change of pace option to Najee Harris during the Crimson Tide’s national title run. He recorded 91 carries for 483 yards and six TDs that season, adding six receptions for 26 yards. This past season Robinson Jr. was finally the lead dog. He doubled his career carries in 2021, logging 271 of them for 1,343 yards rushing and 14 TDs. The first-team All-SEC selection also caught 35 passes for 296 yards and two more TDs.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Robinson Jr. ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine which was a pleasant surprise. His vertical and broad jumps left a little to be desired at 30” and 119” respectively, suggesting limited explosiveness. This matches his film, as he is an effective big-bodied bruiser inside, but capable of running off tackle and also handling passes out of the backfield. He will always serve as the “thunder” role in a “thunder and lightning” backfield though. He chose not to bench press or run the shuttle or cone drills.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Above-Average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
Brian Robinson Jr. was selected with the 98th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Robinson Jr. comes to the NFL as a highly-ranked national recruit out of high school and with relatively low tread on the tire, with only one season of extreme usage and production. The major knock on him is that he is a 23-year-old rookie. As a player, what you see is what you get: he is an imposing physical presence at 6’2” and 225 lbs. who will most likely add even more weight and strength at the NFL level. He is limited laterally, but is an effective interior runner and offers added bonus as a competent receiver. In Washington, he will most likely have a short-yardage and goal-line role behind stand-out Antonio Gibson. Gibson has shown he is capable of being an every-down back but battled usage injuries throughout his young career. Robinson Jr. looks to be a late-second to early-third round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.
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