Denard Robinson at RB

Miaoww · 01-24-2013, 06:54 PM

Sorry if it's already been discussed.

What do you guys think of Robinson at RB?

I've been watching the Senior Bowl practices and teams seem adamant that he should convert to WR. To me that doesn't fit his skill set. Obviously he isn't a QB in the NFL.

The question I have - why isn't he being tried at RB? To me he has elite vision and speed. He's not an every down back, but we've seen him patiently wait for his blocks, burst through the hole and then leave someone picking up their jock 30 yards downfield multiple times over the last three years.

If I have a 3rd round pick and Robinson is still there I'm very, very tempted as a GM. I think he could be a game breaker.

Thoughts?

badgerbacker · 01-24-2013, 07:42 PM

http://www.draftcountdown.com/forum/...ad.php?t=54681

P-L · 01-24-2013, 08:12 PM

Maybe I'm being naive and/or a homer, but did scouts expect his transition to WR to be super quick? The guy has never run a route in his life and never caught a pass beyond the line of scrimmage. Additionally, he is still suffering from nerve damage in his right arm which would affect his ability to catch the ball. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a running back all the way, but I can't be the only one who isn't surprised that he's struggled throughout his first four days at a new position.

PossibleCabbage · 01-24-2013, 08:39 PM

My concern is durability. The guy was constantly nicked up at Michigan because he was taking a lot of hits, and he would be taking even more hits if you play him at RB.

At least at WR he doesn't get hit as much or as hard.

Roddoliver · 01-24-2013, 08:47 PM

I'm surprised they are insisting on making Robinson a WR. He is known for running with the ball. Robinson is a runner. It's a waste to make him learn how to run routes and catch the ball. Even receivers can struggle to run crisp NFL routes. If he can't stay healthy then his career will not last, but at least as a RB he would have a better chance to be on an NFL roster.

JustisM · 01-25-2013, 01:00 AM

I think the vision/weight needed for a RB is what is keeping Robinson at WR. How many RB's that size:height are there in the league? If anything he would be a slot back IMO

duesouth · 01-25-2013, 02:57 AM

I can see why you're saying this - but he has a very slight frame. Maybe as a 5-10 touch a game guy - a little wildcat, but even then I don't think you want to be exposing him to big hits from 300+ lb D-Linemen.

nicker · 01-26-2013, 08:34 PM

I think there's a place for Robinson in the NFL. I like him as a Percy harvin type roll but in a more limited fashion, actually the vikings would be a good place for him to go.

nepg · 01-27-2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-L

Maybe I'm being naive and/or a homer, but did scouts expect his transition to WR to be super quick? The guy has never run a route in his life and never caught a pass beyond the line of scrimmage. Additionally, he is still suffering from nerve damage in his right arm which would affect his ability to catch the ball. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a running back all the way, but I can't be the only one who isn't surprised that he's struggled throughout his first four days at a new position.

Most QBs that convert to WR pick it up pretty quickly. There's a precedent for the expectations. Randle El, Edelman, Cribbs, Ward, etc.

And to the OP, RB is a terrible fit for him. See: Woodrow Dantzler.

The reason you put a guy like that at WR is because he excels at open field running. RBs don't get to run in the open field that much. Putting him at RB just exposes all his weaknesses and doesn't give him much of a chance to succeed. At WR, you can get him the ball in space more easily and run reverses

Shane P. Hallam · 01-27-2013, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-L

Maybe I'm being naive and/or a homer, but did scouts expect his transition to WR to be super quick? The guy has never run a route in his life and never caught a pass beyond the line of scrimmage. Additionally, he is still suffering from nerve damage in his right arm which would affect his ability to catch the ball. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a running back all the way, but I can't be the only one who isn't surprised that he's struggled throughout his first four days at a new position.

They did. Football is football a lot. Look at Antwan Randle El and how quick he made the transition at the Senior Bowl. I'd have at least liked to see some improvement from Denard through the week, but alas

bigbuc · 01-27-2013, 12:42 AM

I would draft him as a RB. Also can spring him on slip screens and things like that. 4/5 round. He showed that he can play RB in school. Also it's not like this guy was breaking long runs on broken pass plays. He was breaking long runs in Rich Rods running system. The were runs from the get go.