Denard

Robinson

The University of Michigan legend’s final NFL down came in 2016. A 2013 fifth-round pick, Robinson’s play-making ability never quite translated at the big-league level, but his unique background and positional versatility should be an asset as he begins his journey in the coaching world.

With Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) still rehabbing away from the team, Forsett is getting a chance to establish himself. The career backup has just 341 carries across four NFL seasons, but has posted an impressive 4.87 YPC. Rookie Denard Robinson and Jordan Todman are rotating in behind Forsett.

Asked if Robinson was taking snaps as a quarterback or Wildcat specialist, coach Gus Bradley said “we don’t have to tell you.” It would be far from surprising if the Jags installed a Wildcat package for the long-time college signal caller, but Robinson isn’t going to pop up on the quarterback depth chart. That ship has sailed for “Shoelace.”

Sanders was a playmaker at South Carolina, but is even more pint-sized than Austin at 5-foot-7, 173 pounds, and lacks Austin’s home-run speed. Sanders clocked a 4.58 40-yard dash at the Combine, which isn’t in the same universe as Austin’s 4.34. Sanders will fight for snaps in the slot, but is unlikely to affect games outside of special teams as a rookie.

Like Stewart, Robinson will see snaps all over the field, but unlike Stewart, his “home” position won’t be quarterback. We also don’t expect Shoelace to be doing any punting. The Jags want to get Robinson 10-15 snaps per game as a rookie. That’s not bad for a fifth-round pick, but won’t be enough playing time to make Robinson an option in redraft leagues. He’s going to be a gadget player.

He’s gained three pounds since the Senior Bowl. Although we’d love to see Robinson get a look at running back in the pros, he seems dead set on trying to become a wide receiver and return man. His draft value is on day three.

Rotoworld draft columnist Eric Stoner has studied Robinson’s Michigan tape and believes he’s best suited as tailback. We’re on board. The Jaguars even sent their running backs coach to check Robinson out. Robinson goes 5-foot-11, 199 and ran a 4.43 forty at the Combine. He struggled as a receiver at the Senior Bowl.

Robinson says he’s willing to play any position. A truly special athlete, Robinson helped his stock on Indy with a 4.43 forty, 36 1/2" vertical, 4.22 20-yard shuttle, and 10-foot-3 broad jump at 5-foot-11, 199. He’s still going to be a one- or two-year conversion project unless he plays running back in the pros.

The 4.34 -- Robinson’s first run -- might be more indicative of his true straight-line speed because he appeared overly anxious on his second run, the 4.45. The Scouting Combine later credited Robinson with a 4.43 “official” forty. Regardless, Robinson obviously has blazing speed and we’d love to see him get a look at running back as a 5-foot-11, 199-pound homerun hitter. Attempting to play wide receiver, Robinson struggled at the Senior Bowl.

The Jags drafted Ace Sanders to be their slot receiver of the future. A QB at Michigan, Robinson experimented at wideout before the draft but flopped at the Senior Bowl. Running back was always going to be his best NFL fit. At 5-foot-10, 199, Robinson’s dimensions are similar to Chris Johnson’s and he runs 4.43 with lateral agility to make defenders miss. With Maurice Jones-Drew entering a contract year and coming off Lisfranc surgery, Robinson will be a deep fantasy sleeper as a rookie. MJD’s current backup is scatback Justin Forsett.