Josh Robinson Has His Head On the Chopping Block

If there’s one longer-tenured Viking player who looks to be in big trouble come training camp, it would have to be CB Josh Robinson.

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Things do not stack up well right now for Robinson, who was taken in the third round of the 2012 draft, to stick on the roster when the tough calls have to be made come August.

Robinson must have realized he was in some trouble when the Vikings made a move to sign 37-year-old Terence Newman, a favorite of Mike Zimmer’s from his previous coaching stops.

Unlike Chris Crocker, whom the Vikings signed last year but quickly let go, Newman appears to have a lot left in the tank and was given guaranteed money commensurate with that impression.

Things got even more bleak for Robinson when the Vikings spent their #11 overall pick on cornerback Trae Waynes out of Michigan State.

Already somewhat on the bubble coming into the offseason, Robinson now looks like a dead man walking.

Even if the Vikings keep six corners, it’s hard to find a scenario where Robinson fits.

Right now the Vikings’ top four corners are Xavier Rhodes, Newman, Captain Munnerlyn and the rookie Waynes. The fifth man is probably Jabari Price, who has been getting a look as a backup slot corner through OTAs and minicamp.

Who is the sixth corner if you keep six? Do you go with Robinson or do you keep punt returner Marcus Sherels?

Robinson’s ultimate fate may depend on whether the Vikings keep Sherels or move to Stefon Diggs as their punt returner.

Another guy who could ultimately be in the mix is rookie UDFA Justin Coleman, a talented player who has a legit shot to make the 53-man roster.

Robinson should have a shot to compete with Coleman, Sherels and Price for one of those spots behind the top four, but there is some doubt whether he will even by physically ready to engage in such competition come training camp.

Nagging injuries have bothered Robinson throughout this offseason, and he was unable to get on the field for the team’s recent minicamp. Mike Zimmer says he isn’t sure if Robinson will be ready for the start of camp.

Robinson was also nagged by injuries in camp last year, but was able to battle through and hold onto his job. Robinson was an important part of the cornerback rotation during the 2014 season and played well at times, but the Vikings clearly were not thrilled with what he brought to the table overall.

The moves to sign Newman and draft Waynes were a clear indication that the Vikings wanted to get bigger in their secondary. The 5-10 Robinson was simply overmatched on many occasions, especially when going up against the taller receivers in the division.

Robinson’s other big disadvantage is his lack of value as a slot corner. Physically he would seem to fit the mold of a nickel corner who can play inside but his lack of proficiency in the role when he tried it in 2013 put the kibosh on the notion that he could ever bring value in the slot.

Where does Robinson fit if he can’t cover the slot and the Vikings don’t like him as an undersized outside corner? Any chance he might have to hang on as a backup hinges on his ability to first get healthy.

In many ways, Robinson will enter training camp behind the 8-ball. If I had to bet, I’d wager that Robinson will be a casualty come cut-down time.

Next: Will Vikings make run at Evan Mathis?

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