2014 NFL Draft Profile: Allen Robinson, WR Penn State

Nov 2, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

With all the talk about some of the other top wide receivers in this draft class, sometimes Allen Robinson from Penn State is lost in the shuffle.

Robinson has the size that NFL teams want from their wide receivers.  He stands 6’2″ and weighs in at 220 pounds, so size definitely isn’t an issue for him.  However, some teams may be turned off by his lack of elite speed and that may cause him to slip into the mid to late second round of the 2014 NFL draft.

He uses his body and his hands well as a wide receiver.  Plucking balls out of the sky and winning jump balls are easy for him with his soft hands and physical ability.  Robinson is physical enough to shake off potential tacklers because of his strength and fluid body movements.  He also uses his body well in the run blocking game, which is one part of a wide receiver’s game that is more important than is usually given credit for.

Despite those soft hands, he seems more comfortable making body catches.  This could be an issue with confidence or technique, but either way, it is something that is teachable and can be corrected.

Here are his statistics over 3 years at Penn State:

Nov 2, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) prior to the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

35 games played

177 catches

2474 yards

14.0 yards per catch

17 touchdowns

6 rushes

36 rushing yards

Strengths

•  Size and frame
• Physical
• Elusive
• Great in traffic
• Good blocker

Weaknesses

•  Lacks elite speed
• Streaky play
• Field awareness

Fit For The Vikings

The Vikings are pretty set for their wide receivers, but it is always nice to have high quality wide receivers on the roster.

My Take

No rookie wide receiver should be able to win the starting job away from the established Greg Jennings or the dynamic Cordarrelle Patterson.  Using a early draft pick on that position is taking a body away from competing at other spots.  The Vikings should pass on Robinson in this year’s draft.