Draft Spotlight: WR Allen Robinson

Today we look at a potential second round or later option at wide receiver, for the Jets.

(Last Spotlight: RB De’Anthony Thomas)

Allen Robinson enters the 2014 NFL Draft after playing three seasons of college ball at Penn State. As a true freshman, in 2011, Robinson was a very small contributor on offense, but was the team’s number one wideout in 2012 and 2013. In those previous two seasons, Robinson amassed 77 receptions for 1,013 yards with 11 TDs, and 97 receptions for 1,432 yards with six TDs, respectively.

Allen Robinson stands at 6’2?, weighing about 220 lbs, great size for the position.

This lion’s got bite

When I watch him play, I see a developed version of Stephen Hill. How so? He’s a bigger target, with deceptive speed, and can go up and get the jump balls. Unlike Hill, Robinson developed in a Penn State pro-style offense, thus he knows all the routes and runs them pretty well.

Allen Robinson had a drop rate while playing for Penn State, in 2013, of 5.43%. Anything under 6-7%, in NCAA football, is considered to be normal (Rotoworld).

In comparison, Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks had a drop rate of 4.69%, and LSU’s Odell Beckham, Jr. retained a percentage of 6.45. Both receivers have been said to be on the Jets’ radar. A possible second round competitor, LSU’s Jarvis Landry had an impressive 2.5% drop rate—just two drops on the season.

Robinson has been featured most in intermediate, sideline passes—think Braylon Edwards. Despite his build, Robinson was also heavily used in the screen game, showing the ability to fight for YAC (yards after catch).

One my favorite aspects of the receiver: Robinson showed consistent growth throughout his college career.

Roar

While he can show quick, sneaky bursts of speed, Allen Robinson isn’t a burner. He’s not going to be the type of player you send downfield to catch a bomb, although that’s not to say he absolutely cannot. He makes up for the lack of vertical quickness some, with the ability to see the field well and run smart.

Robinson has the tendency to get into ‘spells’, catching awkwardly for periods before hitting his stride. It comes across as trying to put the game all in his own hands, which should be diminished some by NFL talent around him.

Like North Carolina’s Eric Ebron, who we also spotlighted, Robinson at times looks to run before securing the football and getting his feet set. It didn’t hurt him too much against college competition, but it’s something to watch for in his transition to the pros.

Would like to see him get a little stronger to fight off press coverage.

Uncage the beast

Robinson is a player that, after watching some of his tape, I am very high on for the Jets in round two. Honestly, I see a first round talent in Robinson—who may not have his name called on day one, because of the depth at the wide receiver position in this year’s class.

He looks to the part of a number one or two wideout, and has the versatility to be used in many different schemes.

Robinson can handle the ‘workman’s load’, and thrives on being the playmaker that changes the course of games. The Jets would be very lucky to see him still on the board, with the 17th pick of the second round, in the 2014 NFL Draft.