Ryan Robinson 4th round selection

I guess we have a return man.

Strengths: Is a quicker than fast slot-receiver prospect with value as a potential contributor in the return game. Explodes out of cuts and can change directions quickly so has the potential to develop into a crisp short-to-intermediate rout-runner. Reaches top-speed quickly, possesses good vision and is dangerous after the catch. Possesses good hands, shows good focus while the ball is in the air and doesn't drop many passes that should catch. Has good body control and can adjust to balls thrown outside of frame. Has experience returning kicks as well as punts, quickly locates seams in the coverage and is an elusive open field runner that can make an immediate impact in the return game.Weaknesses: Though he tracks the ball well when running downfield, he lacks elite top-end speed and will struggle to get behind NFL corners. Lacks ideal bulk, doesn't have great upper body strength and can get pushed around by physical corners. Doesn't use hands all that well and is going to have problems getting a clean release working against press coverage. Doesn't play with a mean streak and isn't a physical blocker.

Overall: Robinson saw action in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2003 as a backup wide receiver and kick returner. He finished the season with 28 receptions for 468 yards (16.7 average) and two touchdowns, and returned 38 punts for 654 yards (17.2 average) and three touchdowns. In 2004, Robinson played in all 13 games as a starting wide receiving, caught 64 passes for 932 yards(14.6 average), and scored four touchdowns. He also returned 39 punts for 547 yards (14 average) and two touchdowns, and eight kickoffs for 135 yards (16.9 average). Robinson started all 11 games in 2005 catching 75 passes for 1,119 yards (14.9 average) and eight touchdowns. He continued to contribute as a returner with 26 punt returns for 301 yards (11.6 average) and one touchdown. Robinson notched 91 catches for 1,178 yards (12.9 average) and eight TD's as a senior in 2006 after starting all 12 games. For his career, Robinson also carried the ball 25 times for 122 yards (4.88 average).
Robinson is undersized and he isn't going to outrun defenders like he did at the collegiate level. However, he is a tough and instinctive receiver with good route running skills and reliable hands. He also has value in the return game. As such, Robinson is a bit underrated and is worth the risk fifth-round range of the 2007 draft.

 

Draft Exchange Analysis:
Combine results:

Forty: 4.35
Vertical: --
Shuttle: 4.21
Cone: 6.79

Scouting Report
Dangerous punt returner and wide receiver who is coming off a season in which he was selected second-team all-MAC ... the nation's active career leader in both punt return yardage (1,502) and punt return touchdowns (six) and could potentially break national records in both ... possesses both good straight-line speed and remarkable quickness, including the ability to start, stop and generally make people miss ... fundamentally gifted wide receiver with soft hands and good route running skills ... participated in only one spring football practice while competing as a left fielder on Miami's baseball team.