With the Draft fast approaching, it's time to start looking at some potential players for the Patriots. I'm going to put profiles of 2 players a day- one offense, one defensive- and gain a better understanding of the players in the draft.
Florida State's Patrick Robinson is a 3 year starter. At 5-11, 190 lbs, he's the perfect size to be a corner, as he can cover the big receivers as well as the smaller receivers underneath. He'd be better with a safety in support behind him as it allows him to take bigger risk on bigger plays. He's a clone of Asante Samuel- he makes plenty of big plays, while giving up a couple too many. Hopefully he is more of a Samuel and less of a Jonathan Wilhite. Robinson is weak against the run, but there's no denying his play making ability. He's a risky player, but he could be an excellent #2 corner. Is he worth the risk?
His measurements and some quotes after the jump.
Height: 5-11. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
Combine 40 Time: 4.42.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.38.
Benchx225: 15. Vertical: 39.Strengths:
Solid size and strength Very athletic Smooth, fluid hips Technically sound with low backpedal Excellent feet Good break on the ball Instinctive Turns head back to quarterback Keeps play in front of him Nice burst and acceleration - impressive speed Talented skill set
Weaknesses:Not very competitive Shies from taking on blocks Inconsistent tackler Lacks physicality Needs to improve jam at line of scrimmage Doesn't play up to measureables Sometimes loses focus First-round talent with mid-round tape
Player Comparison: Antonio Cromartie.
03/19/2010 - TOP RATED NFL DRAFT SCOUT CORNERBACKS: Patrick Robinson, Florida State, 5-11, 190, 2: He is a daring defender who plays with more confidence than consistency and will need to play within his abilities to be a consistent pro. Robinson showed his best overall play last season with career bests in tackles (47) and passes broken up (11) and was impressive during Senior Bowl workouts. He has long teased pro scouts with his ability to cover receivers and react to the ball, which first became obvious in 2007 when he had six interceptions. Robinson was suspended for taking part in the infamous Florida State academic scandal and missed the Music City Bowl and the first three games of the 2008 season. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com/CBS Sports/USA TODAY
Robinson is the Seminoles most active pass defender and should make the transition to the next level well. His combination of size, strength and athleticism is best suited as a rolled up corner in two deep schemes. He is a solid perimeter run defender but not always physical versus larger ball carriers. Pat needs to use his hands better to jam and reroute receivers off the line of scrimmage as well as his over all body positioning in coverage. He can be aggressive in zone schemes and is susceptible to gadget plays as well as double moves. Robinson is a good football player that should contribute on special teams as a rookie while developing his overall game.
Strengths
Final Word: After a sophomore season where he finished with 6 interceptions, Patrick Robinson struggled to take that next step up. However he displayed the kind of foot quickness and agility that a cornerback must have at the next level. His ball skills are lacking and it will keep him from getting in to the first round, but teams will be attracted to the combination of physical skills here. He consistently puts his body on the line, which gave him a wide array of nagging injuries, and he is a hustler that could prove to be a prospect that outplays several corners taken ahead of him.
Verdict: Robinson has the potential to be the next Asante Samuel, but could also bust and be a Jonathan Wilhite- neither are players we want on the Patriots. He takes too many risks and needs a safety support, which means he can't be left alone in coverage. He is a liability against the run, which means that he should be a nickel back at best. For a second round pick, Robinson wouldn't be worth the risk of bust.