Rookie Player Profile: Josh Robinson

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Combine Review

Height :5’8”
Weight: 217
Hands: 10 1/8
Arm Length: 29 3/4
40 Yard Dash: 4.7
Vertical: 32”
Broad: 113

Strengths

They don’t call him, ‘The Human Bowling Ball’ for nothing. Robinson runs with a beautiful and terrifying amount of power. I had Robinson ranked as my eighth running back in this stacked 2015 class before the draft. It was obviously (very) upsetting to see him fall out of the first five rounds of the draft, but I can’t think of a better spot than the Colts, at least from a fantasy perspective. His biggest strength beyond his power is his ability in the receiving game. In 2014 at Mississippi St, Robinson caught 28 passes and averaged an astounding 13.2 yards per reception – that’s a solid number for a regular receiver who catches the ball much further down the field. Statistically, Robinson gets very high grades from me, he checks all the boxes from both a production and efficiency standpoint.

Opportunity 

This is one of those latent opportunity situations. It has yet to present itself, but with Frank Gore being over 30, I don’t see why Robinson wouldn’t be an injury away from major production, much like Zac Stacy a few years ago. I don’t see Boom Herron or Vick Ballard as much competition to anyone, never mind someone who I consider extremely talented like Robinson. There’s certainly no guarantee he’ll see the field year one, or ever, for that matter, but anytime someone has a chance to work in an Andrew Luck-run offense, is a chance worth gambling on.

Short Term Expectations

As I mentioned, with Gore there, he’s probably not going to see the field much in year one.  But, as I also mentioned, he’s a Gore injury away from major fantasy production. Well worth the gamble in the third round of a rookie draft.

Long Term Expectations

The future looks extremely bright, kinda. With the way the depth chart is currently constructed, there’s essentially zero competition, which is a great thing. The not so great thing? Robinson was a 6th round pick, which doesn’t give much leverage (if any) for future production. He’s got a long road to proving he’s worthy of a significant role, and also proving he’s not expendable. A lot of times the path to touches appears easier than it is and because we haven’t seen who the team is going to draft in the following years, this late round player will have to prove his worth early on.

NFL Comparison

Alfred Morris with better receiving ability

Both were sixth round picks, both had slow 40 times, both are skilled power backs. Will Robinson ever get the chance to prove himself? That remains to be seen, but as I mentioned above, Robinson was one of my favorite backs in this class pre-draft, and I think he has the potential to lead a committee. I also see some Jeremy Hill and Zac Stacy to his game. As you know, these are all snowflake prospects, it’s tough to make a direct comparison, but I think by giving you those three names, it gives you an idea of what type of player he is.

Rookie Draft Advice

I’ve been targeting Robinson in the middle of the third round of rookie drafts, and getting him pretty regularly. I think he’s a great value there, especially for running back needy teams.

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