NFL mock draft: Texas running back Bijan Robinson could tempt teams in 2023 NFL draft

Running backs don't often go early in the NFL draft anymore.

Texas running back Bijan Robinson could change that in the 2023 NFL draft.

The former Tucson Salpointe Catholic standout is projected to go as high as No. 12 in early NFL mock draft projections for the 2023 NFL draft and could tempt NFL GMs and scouting departments in the first round.

Check out what they are saying about Robinson in early 2023 NFL mock drafts.

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Pro Football Network: Bijan Robinson goes to Miami Dolphins at No. 27

James Fragoza writes: "While I typically subscribe to the idea that running backs don’t offer enough value to be a first-round pick, that isn’t the case for Bijan Robinson — especially in Mike McDaniel’s offense. If you look up “elite RB prospect,” a picture of Robinson shows up next to Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Is that hyperbole? No. Robinson is worthy of a first-round selection due to his all-around skill set. Need him to stonewall a blitzer in pass pro? How about catch passes out of the backfield and out wide? Make a defender miss in the hole or in the open field? You name it, Robinson can do it."

Walter Football: Bijan Robinson selected by Miami Dolphins at No. 16

It writes: "Call me crazy, but I don't expect Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds to remain healthy for a whole season. Bijan Robinson is going to be another running back chosen early in the draft. All of his attributes are at sky-high levels."

Fansided: Bijan Robinson picked by Baltimore Ravens at No. 20

Jacob Schyvinck writes: "The Baltimore Ravens are known for getting good value, and why not here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? All eyes will be on J.K. Dobbins this season to see if he can breakout to be the RB1 moving forward. If not, Bijan Robinson can instantly step into the role. His lateral agility, toughness through contact, vision, and receiving skills make him the next great three-down back."

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NFL Spin Zone: Bijan Robinson taken by Houston Texans at No. 18

Sayre Bedinger writes: "One of the areas the Houston Texans need a longer-term solution right now is the running back spot. Although it’s not really en vogue in today’s NFL, Bijan Robinson is the type of prospect at the running back position that could be worthy of a first-round selection. In two seasons for the Longhorns, Robinson is averaging 6.5 yards per carry with 15 rushing touchdowns. He’s also added six scores as a receiver. This would be a wildly popular selection in Houston and after already snagging Will Anderson in this mock draft, the Texans would need only the right QB to actually have a little something going again."

The Draft Wire: Bijan Robinson drafted No. 16 by Philadelphia Eagles

Luke Easterling writes: "First-round running backs are rare, but when you have multiple first-round picks, you can afford the luxury when there’s a rare prospect at the position. Robinson is a complete back with an impressive blend of power and explosiveness who can impact the game on all three downs."

Pro Football Focus: Bijan Robinson chosen by Houston Texans at No. 23

Michael Renner writes: "Don’t just think of Robinson as a running back. This dude can run routes like a wide receiver, too. His 79 broken tackles on only 195 carries was the third-most in the country last year."

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Yardbarker: Bijan Robinson selected by Philadelphia Eagles at No. 12

Seth Trachtman writes: "Robinson has the talent to be a rare early first-round running back next year. He had over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns last season for the Longhorns, showing the ability to be a three-down back. The run-heavy Eagles could be in the market if Miles Sanders doesn't make progress this season."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL mock draft: Texas RB Bijan Robinson 2023 NFL draft projections