Top NFL Draft prospect draws comparison to Colts' Hall of Famer
Former Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James was one of the premier players at his position during his time in the league. He played a key role in the franchise winning the Super Bowl and was must-watch television every single week. While players like James do not come around often, Pro Football Focus believes there […]
Former Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James was one of the premier players at his position during his time in the league. He played a key role in the franchise winning the Super Bowl and was must-watch television every single week.
While players like James do not come around often, Pro Football Focus believes there is a prospect in this year's NFL Draft that is very similar. Texas running back Bijan Robinson is drawing comparisons to the Hall of Fame rusher by PFF.
It's easy to see why, too. Robinson was one of the most dynamic backs in all of college football while at Texas. And he is widely considered to be a premium talent in the 2023 draft class.
Robinson's contact balance and ability to sink his hips stand out when watching out his tape. That is some of what led to the comparison to the former Colts' star.
"When a prospect is one of one like Robinson is on tape at Texas, you have to reach way back into the annals of NFL history for a comp," wrote PFF Draft Analyst Mike Renner. "Robinson’s unique traits are his contact balance and the depth he gets when sinking in his cuts. He’s at a 45-degree angle on some of these."
Furthermore, the two have similar frames, as well. James was a tad bigger in his playing days, but Robinson is right up there with him. The playing style and size is even more ammunition for the comparisons.
James was a similar graceful mover at a nearly identical size (6-foot and 216 pounds to 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds for Robinson)," Renner wrote.
Their athletic profiles are eerily similar, backed up by NFL Scouting Combine data.
It remains to be seen what kind of career Bijan Robinson has in the NFL. Living up to the comparison of a talent like Edgerrin James is certainly not an easy thing to do, as Colts fans are well aware of.
With that said, Robinson is a special talent in the backfield. And it would be fun to watch a player like James again. Just keep him out of the AFC South, please.
