Bijan Robinson draft projections: Will the star RB fall to the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys can go multiple different directions with their first round pick. The only problem is they have to wait a while — pick No. 26 to be exact — for their turn, so chances are several of the players they want could be off the board by the time they’re on the clock.

Perhaps the biggest storyline leading up to the draft is whether Bijan Robinson will fall to the Cowboys. If Robinson is available, it’s fair to assume Jerry Jones wouldn’t bypass the opportunity to put a star on his helmet.

If this was a conversation 20 years ago, Robinson would be long gone by pick 26. Chances are he’d go within the top 10 picks an no later than the top 20. Now, though, the running back position’s value has never been lower.

No running back in free agency has signed for more than $6.25 million annually. At the same time, though, Robinson is a generational talent and could make a seismic impact on a team, like the Cowboys, that’s ready to win it all.

Of course, anything can happen on draft night. Is Robinson falling to No. 26 possible? Let’s see what the experts have to say.

2023 NFL Draft: Will Bijan Robinson fall to the Cowboys?

ESPN’s Jordan Reid mocked Robinson to the Chargers at No. 21 overall. Reid spoke to scouts and executives around the league at the Combine and was left with the impression that Robinson won’t make it past the top 20 selections, and Los Angeles is an obvious fit in light of Austin Ekeler’s trade request.

ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum, a former GM and executive for multiple teams, mocked Robinson to the Buccaneers at No. 19 overall. Another ideal fit for the former Longhorn, as the Bucs released Leonard Fournette and have been prominently mentioned as a potential landing spot for the available Zeke Elliott.

Stepping away from ESPN, The Athletic’s Nate Tice and Diante Lee have Robinson falling to the Bengals with pick No. 28. That would make Cincy’s offense virtually unstoppable, but again it’s unlikely the Cowboys let Robinson slip through their fingertips if he’s there for the taking at pick 26.

Elsewhere, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus mocked Robinson to the Commanders at No. 16 overall. That’s a head-scratcher given they already have Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson, but like we said anything is possible.

Speaking of which, CBS’ Will Brinson has Bijan going No. 20 overall to the Seahawks, who drafted Kenneth Walker early last year, and Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network has Bijan going — wait for it — No. 9 overall to Chicago.

Assuming the Bears aren’t crazy enough to draft Robinson ninth overall, there seemingly aren’t many teams slotted ahead of the Cowboys that are clear fits for him. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll fall to Dallas, but we suppose that’s why some mocks have Jerry Jones trading up for Robinson.

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

Texas RB Bijan Robinson reacts to Cowboys mock draft with a smile

Texas running back Bijan Robinson's reaction to Mel Kiper's mock draft suggests he'd be thrilled if he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.