RBU Takes on the NFL
Texas fulfills the 2022 prophecy as Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, Keilan Robinson, Jaydon Blue, and Jonathan Brooks enter the 2025 NFL Season.
After Jaydon Blue was drafted in the 5th round to the Cowboys, the Texas Longhorns completed the sweep: 5/5 of the 2022 Running Backs were drafted to the NFL. Each Texas-Ex is on his own path to make it in the league, and all have something to prove this season. Let’s break it down, starting with one of the best Running Backs entering the season:
Bijan Robinson
Bijan has had a buzz-worthy offseason, and it’s not because he called the world out for saying his name wrong the past 5 years (whoops!). He made the NFL Top 100 List for the first time in his 3-year career, coming in at #62 (let’s be real, he’s still way underrated).
This is a huge year for Bijan—he is eligible to have his 5th year option picked up at the end of the 2025 season, and could begin contract extension talks. Areas he’ll be looking to improve in order to maximize his value are in the passing game. Honestly, this should be a slam dunk, considering all Longhorn fans saw his new Quarterback, Michael Penix, light it up against us in the College Football Playoff Semi-Finals a year ago (too soon?).
I am praying to the Fantasy Football Gods that I’ll be able to draft Bijan in my Fantasy League for the second year in a row. But if I miss out on Bijan, I have a feeling this next former Texas back will be a sneaky steal in later rounds:
Roschon Johnson
Roschon has been getting tons of love from Bears media and top reporters like Albert Breer this off-season!
With Ben Johnson now calling plays for the Bears, I would bet Roschon feasts in the new scheme. Every running back that played for Johnson in Detroit the past 2.5 years has run their way straight into a new contract (David Montgomery, Jamaal Williams, & Jahmyr Gibbs eligible next year). It’s a safe bet to assume Roschon’s stat lines will improve. And for the gamblers that love longshots, don’t forget Roschon was a Quarterback first at Texas…expect a trick play or two dialed up for him during this season.
Jaydon Blue
Training Camp couldn’t come soon enough for Jaydon Blue to begin proving himself in his Rookie campaign. Blue was unfortunately the victim of “anonymous sources” voicing their opinion, calling him “borderline lazy” (Linked here ICYMI). It went a little viral, and Blue had some words to say about it:
1 week later, Blue is now being reported as shining through camp. Didn’t take long to show he not only belongs, but will be a major impact for the Cowboys on offense. If I lived in a state where gambling was legal, I would definitely sprinkling a bit of cash on Blue to be Offensive Rookie of the Year. With no major Rookie Quarterbacks slated to start besides Tyler Shough for the Saints, there is a great opportunity for Running Backs and Wide Receivers to win OROTY this season (also lookin’ at you, Matthew Golden).
While Bijan, Roschon, and Blue all have clear paths to the field this season, there are two more former Texas Running Backs that are living in slightly murkier territory:
Keilan Robinson & Jonathan Brooks
Let’s start with Keilan first, as there is a bit more clarity surrounding his current situation. Keilan was released by the team that drafted him last year (Jacksonville Jaguars), but he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles (UPGRADE!!).
Keilan will be fighting for a roster spot during training camp, but will likely find a home on special teams. Keep your eyes out for him when the Eagles kick off preseason on Thursday, August 7th, against the Bengals. Jonathan Brooks, on the other hand, will unfortunately be sitting out for the entirety of the 2025 season:
Almost went 3 full articles without linking a Schefty tweet, but here we are. There’s been very little reporting on Brooks this off-season. He only played 12 snaps in his 2024 campaign before reinjuring his knee, and it feels like the Panthers are keeping everything tight lipped about his recovery and future with the organization.
The good news for Brooks? He just turned 22, he gets a full 18 months to rehab and recover, and did I mention, he’s only 22???!!! Brooks is still so young, and will not have to rush his return timeline like he did last year. This could be a huge blessing for his long term career. I wouldn’t bet against Brooks—or any of our Longhorn Running Backs—this season.