Despite some fan’s best wishes, draft analysts and the general media continue to link Bijan Robinson with the Dallas Cowboys. The only problem is the Cowboys own one of the last picks of the first round (No. 26 overall), and Robinson is widely expected to come off the board before then.
Multiple analysts have mocked Robinson to Dallas via a trade up. Jerry Jones has a history of moving up in the draft – see Emmitt Smith, Dez Bryant, and DeMarcus Lawrence – but it’s hard to envision the Super Bowl-hungry owner trading up for a running back after the team tagged Tony Pollard.
Of course, anything is possible with Jerry having the final say. If there’s a route to draft Robinson, Jones will explore it. ESPN draft expert Todd McShay said as recently as Wednesday it wouldn't surprise him if Dallas made a splash move into the teens in order to get Robinson.
That's a scary thought, but the Cowboys aren’t the only team enamored with Robinson. It helps that not many teams need running back help, but the Texas product might be too enticing to pass up. With that in mind, let’s underline a few teams who could end Dallas’ dream of bringing Bijan to North Texas.
3 teams who could steal Bijan Robinson from Cowboys in NFL Draft
3. Los Angeles Chargers (No. 21 overall)
The Chargers are in an excellent spot to draft Bijan Robinson. Slated with the No. 21 overall pick, Los Angeles falls within the range of picks most experts expect the former Longhorn to come off the board. Robinson could obviously go earlier, but teams finally understand the value of RBs in the first round so it’s not inconceivable that he drops beyond the teens and into the 20s of Round 1.
Los Angeles is suddenly without a starting running back after Austin Ekeler’s trade request. The team is reluctant to grant Ekeler’s wish, but they’re just as hesitant to pay him the money he wants so a divorce feels inevitable. They could turn around and sign Dalvin Cook, a potential cut/trade candidate in Minneosta, but drafting Robinson would allow the Bolts to allocate their cap sace elsewhere.
Even if Ekeler is back, the Chargers were awful at running between the tackles. They need a stud three-down back to take the pressure off Justin Herbert, and Robinson projects to be an immediate star in that role.
2. Detroit Lions (No. 18 overall)
The Lions are on the rise in the NFC after they nearly snuck into the playoffs last season. While Jared Goff exceeded expectations and Detroit has a talented group of receivers, they’re identity is pounding the rock under up-and-coming offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The Lions did sign David Montgomery after losing Jamaal Williams, and they still have D’Andre Swift, so this would be a luxury pick of the highest degree. However, Swift is a free agent next year and has been oft injured in his young career. Might Detroit look to trade him during or after the draft?
It’s a possibility, and both Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN mocked Robinson to the Lions in their latest draft projections.
The more we think about it, the more Bijan to the Motor City makes sense, especially since Dan Campbell’s roster doesn’t have any glaring needs. Robinson in Ben Johnson’s offense would be a nightmare for NFL defenses.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (No. 10 overall)
The Eagles are without question the No. 1 team who could steal Robinson from the Cowboys. For starters, they have a need at running back after Miles Sanders left for the Panthers in free agency, Further, Philly has two first round picks so they – more so than any other team – could justify taking a RB early.
A handful of mock drafts have the Eagles taking Robinson at No. 10 overall so they don’t risk losing him before they pick again at No. 30 overall. It’s hard to envision a better fit for Philly’s run-centric offense than Robinson.
The thought of the Eagles running the RPO with Jalen Hurts and Bijan Roinson is terrifying. Not only would it cause headaches for Dallas’ defense, but it would open up a passing game that ranked second in the NFL with 8.1 yards per attempt and sixth in passer rating on their way to the Super Bowl.