Weaknesses:
Summary: With the arrival of Bill O’Brien, Robinson’s collegiate career took off. He barely played in 2011, but once O’Brien arrived with his coaching staff, Robinson was able to earn playing time with the fresh start.
Clearly, O’Brien and his staff knew what they were doing as Robinson hauled in 77 passes for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012. He was the No. 1 receiver for Matt McGloin, and Robinson was able to thrive in O’Brien’s offense.
Robinson was even better in 2013. The junior recorded 97 receptions for 1,432 yards and six touchdowns. He turned in many prolific games, including contests against Ohio State (12-173), Illinois (11-165) and Indiana (12-173). Robinson demonstrated nice speed and run-after-the-catch ability to go along with his size. He was excellent at breaking short or intermediate receptions for yards downfield. With O’Brien leaving for the NFL, Robinson followed suit.
The big question with Robinson is if he has enough speed to consistently gain separation in the NFL. His Combine 40 time of 4.60 seconds gave credence to the concern, but he plays faster. Robinson won’t ever be a burner, but he has shown the quickness to slash through defenses and take some catches downfield for big gains.
Robinson is very polished. He is a good route-runner, has natural hands and toughness. Robinson uses his size to make contested catches over defensive backs and is a nice receiver for the red zone. He finds soft spots in zone and is a good weapon on third down.
In the 2014 NFL Draft, Robinson should be a second-day pick because of the speed concerns. This is a deep class of receivers, so he could prove to be a good value pick. It wouldn’t be surprising if Robinson is viewed as a steal years from now.
Player Comparison: Anquan Boldin. Robinson’s game is reminiscent of Boldin. They both are well-put-together receivers who are physical and quick. Both of them are dangerous to pick up yards after the catch. Boldin went in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft (pick No. 54). Robinson could go in the same range and be a similar style receiver as Boldin.
NFL Matches: Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York Jets, New Orleans, Carolina, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle
Robinson has a lot of landing spots late in the the second round. Early on Day 2, Robinson would be a good fit in Tampa Bay or Jacksonville. The Bucs need a lot of help at wide receiver, plus Robinson could be a nice fit for Jeff Tedford’s offense. The Jaguars need more weapons for their new quarterback given Justin Blackmon’s status.
The Lions could address receiver in the first round, but if they don’t get their guy and settle for some secondary help, Robinson would make a lot of sense for Detroit in Round 2. He could be a nice possession receiver on the other side from Calvin Johnson.
If the Browns pass on a receiver in Round 1, they could target Robinson in the second round. He would be a nice complement to Josh Gordon.
Pittsburgh needs help at receiver, and Robinson has the size that the Steelers are looking for. Baltimore and the New York Jets would be good fits for Robinson, too. Both teams signed free agent wide receivers, but each one could use more help in its receiving corps.
Elsehwere in the NFC South, Carolina has a massive need at wide receiver. Robinson could be a nice possession receiver for Cam Newton, and the Panthers are locked into drafting at least one wide out early. New Orleans also could consider a receiver. The Saints lost some weapons this offseason in Darren Sproles and Lance Moore. The team has some older veterans at receiver, and Robinson would give New Orleans a young understudy to Marques Colston.
The 49ers could use more young talent at wide receiver. Robinson would be a good understudy to Boldin. Denver doesn’t have a real need at receiver, but Robinson could be the best player available.
Seattle lost Golden Tate in free agency, and the Seahawks would probably prefer drafting a receiver with size. Ergo, Robinson could be a fit in Seattle.
RELATED LINKS:
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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