Bijan Robinson to Vikings, Jahmyr Gibbs to Giants in Peter Schrager NFL Mock Draft

A pair of running backs were off the board in the first round in the final 2023 NFL mock draft from NFL Network's Peter Schrager.

Schrager had Texas star Bijan Robinson land with the Minnesota Vikings at No. 23, and Alabama star Jahmyr Gibbs went two picks later to the New York Giants.

In both cases, the Vikings and Giants would be adding impact players to their backfield while planning for the future.

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported Monday that Dalvin Cook is "another name to watch as a potential trade target this weekend."

"The Vikings have been communicative with their star tailback—and receptive to the idea of bringing him back—but it just won't happen at the rate of $11 million he's due this fall," Breer wrote.

He added the arrival of another running back within the first three rounds could foreshadow Cook's departure.

New York, meanwhile, doesn't appear to have worked too hard to keep Saquon Barkley under contract beyond the 2023 season. The team applied the franchise tag to the two-time Pro Bowler and stopped there.

Using a first-rounder on a running back would basically signal the Giants are eventually moving on from Barkley altogether.

Gibbs is the kind of prospect who could mimic Barkley's role in the offense. Across three seasons at Georgia Tech and Alabama, the 5'9", 199-pound back ran for 2,132 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 103 passes for 1,212 yards and eight scores.

Robinson is universally regarded as the best running back and one of the most talented players at any position. Gibbs' stock has steadily climbed throughout the draft process, though.

ESPN's Todd McShay reported Monday, "I'd be surprised at this point if he doesn't go in Round 1."

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic spoke to an NFL running backs coach who said Gibbs is "gonna be special if he gets in the right system."

"His stop and start, man, it's like he's got a supercharger in there," the coach said. "I don't think any linebacker can cover him. He is not as physical as you'd like, but he's not soft, either. The down part will be pass protection."

Gibbs would be a great consolation prize if Robinson is gone and a team wants to strengthen its running back situation.